A Leeds mum of two has been jailed for eight months after a court heard she entered Britain illegally under a false name and went on to claim thousands in benefits over three years.
Naziyatabassum Shaikh, 32 of Ferriby Towers, Mabgate, Leeds, admitted obtaining leave to remain in the UK by deception and fraudulently obtaining over £44,000 in benefits.
Caroline Wigin prosecuting told Leeds Crown Court Shaikh had previously applied in Mumbai, India for a visa to visit the UK but had been refused twice.
However in April 2009 she entered using false identification in another name and since then had received benefits for accommodation and allowances fraudulently, including payments for her two children.
Jailing her Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said he accepted the money had been used to maintain her family and not for a life of luxury but it was a serious offence to enter illegally and to claim benefits from public money over a considerable time.