Forty-year-old Lynn Barsby, of Vale Drive, failed to inform the authorities of a change in her circumstances after moving in with an employed partner.

Derby Crown Court was told on Friday that Barsby, who is the primary carer for five children, started receiving income support, Council Tax benefits and housing benefits in 2003 when she was living alone.

Barsby then moved in with her partner Paul but failed to notify the authorities and continued collecting benefits, despite the fact her partner was in work.

In total, Barsby fraudulently collected £29,745 in income support, £9,168 in housing benefits and £2,087 in Council Tax benefits.

Judge Jeremy Lea told her: "This was a fraud committed over quite a long period of time and to that extent the sums are substantial, this is money that is effectively stolen from the public purse and money to which you are not entitled.

"The amount you stole and the way in which you did such means I have no choice other than to put you into custody."

A spokesman from the Department for Work and Pensions said: "Benefit fraud is theft. The money is intended for society's most vulnerable. If you suspect fraud, call the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440."