SPIRALLING debts led a York couple to falsely claim £27,000 of benefits.

York Crown Court heard that David and Jane Waistle, of Dane Avenue, Acomb, were driven by panic over rent arrears and debt collectors when they set out to make false claims.

Diana Maudslay, prosecuting, said Mr Waistle, 45, aided and abetted by his 46-year-old wife, between February 2001 and March 2002 as she claimed benefits for herself and three children.

She signed forms, declaring that she was a lone parent with no income as her husband had left her.

But Ms Maudslay said the couple was still together, and Mr Waistle was in paid employment.

In total Mrs Waistle claimed £24,983 to which she was not entitled in income support, housing and council tax benefits, she added.

Chris Dunn, for Mr Waistle, said the couple felt they had no other avenue to pursue and that his actions were driven by panic and desperation over debt problems.

"He took the lead role and accepts that he made a gross error of judgement," he said.

Judge Paul Hoffman jailed Mr Waistle, who has previous convictions of a similar nature, for nine months for two offences of aiding and abetting, and making false statements to obtain benefits.

As Mrs Waistle shed tears in the dock, her solicitor, Paul Williams, pushed for leniency.

He said she was of previous good character and was currently caring for her grandchildren as well as her own children because of domestic problems.

Mrs Waistle received two years community rehabilitation and 100 hours community punishment for two offences of making a false statement or representation to obtain benefits.

Max Thomas, audit and fraud investigation manager for City of York council, said: "The council's benefit investigation team works closely with the other agencies, including the police, to make sure that anyone making false claims is brought to justice. Any sentence is in the hands of the court and the Crown Court has recognised the seriousness of the case."

Anyone with information about suspected benefit fraud should phone 0800 1745533 or 01904 552935.

All calls are confidential.

Updated: 09:07 Wednesday, August 04, 2004