A WOMAN who took part in a benefit scam totalling almost £25,000 has been jailed for 18 weeks.

Rukhsana Dastagir, 43, of Torrington Court, admitted 12 counts of benefit at various points stretching back to 2005.

In total just over £23,000 of housing benefits was claimed under false pretences and a further £1,000 of council tax was claimed.

Her brother Imran, 38, of Carstairs Avenue, admitted to creating false documents to support her claim for housing benefit starting in 2011 and was ordered to carry out 250 hours of community service.

The pair admitted the offences last week and were sentenced at Swindon Magistrates’ Court this week.