A SINGLE mum falsely claimed £21,000 in benefits when she failed to tell the authorities that her partner had moved in.

Mother-of-three Lisa James cheated thousands of pounds out of the state in income support, housing and council tax benefits over a two-year period.

She narrowly escaped jail after a judge decided to give her a chance to repay her debt to society by undertaking 200 hours' community service.

James, 27, of Lindsey Avenue, Acomb, York, was found out when the Department of Work and Pensions received a tip-off about her partner, Kevin Tate.

Patricia Doherty, prosecuting on behalf of both City of York Council and the Government department, told York Crown Court yesterday: "The Department of Work and Pensions received an anonymous allegation that Kevin Tate was living with her.

"The caller said Mr Tate was working as a painter and decorator, employing other staff and paying them cash in hand."

James admitted seven counts of making false statements with reference to obtaining benefits and one count of obtaining an exemption from liability by deception when she appeared before York Magistrates in July.

Mrs Doherty said Mr Tate moved into the house in November 2001 and James continued claiming benefits until June 2003.

"The defendant completed forms to renew her claim for benefits," she said.

"On the form she stated she didn't have a partner and that she was still living as a single parent with two children.

"She also said she was a sole resident, for a discount for council tax, when she was not."

David Dixon, defending, said: "This was not a case where she was trying to live an extravagant lifestyle.

"She was not living beyond her means.

"But there were no savings there - whatever she received she was spending every week."

Recorder Stephen Morris, sentencing James, said: "You should repay your debt to society by doing some community service.

"You have offered no real explanation as to why you continued to claim these sums. You knew what you were doing and you took the risk."

Updated: 10:03 Wednesday, September 28, 2005