Katherine Hounsell, 42, of the Maltings, Cambourne was found guilty of benefit fraud at Cambridge Magistrates' Court.

Hounsell failed to notify South Cambridgeshire District Council of the maintenance money she received from her husband, so was falsely claiming housing and council tax benefits

The court considered imposing a community order for unpaid work, but this was deemed unsuitable as Ms Hounsell already works and has childcare commitments.

Instead the court imposed a community order with a curfew requirement.

Hounsell must stay in her home, including the garden, between 8pm and 6.30am for eight weeks and must wear a tag.

She was also ordered to pay back the £2,506.35 she fraudulently claimed as well as £500 costs to the district council.

Cllr Tony Orgee, Cabinet member for finance, said: "This is the first time that someone convicted of benefit fraud against South Cambridgeshire District Council has been given a tag and highlights the different types of punishments given for this crime.

"Starting next month, sentencing on benefit fraud will get tougher as new guidelines are brought in. From August 4, Magistrates will consider sending anyone who is prosecuted for claiming £5,000 or more fraudulently in benefits to prison for twelve weeks.

"This is another success for our fraud team and shows that benefit cheats will be caught. Anyone committing fraud should remember that if they get caught they will have to pay the money back and will face criminal prosecution, which could result in them going to prison."

Hounsell did not work at South Cambridgeshire District Council as a benefits officer and was not employed as a benefits officer at the time of these offences.

South Cambridgeshire District Council receives many tip-offs every year and they rely on the public being vigilant and reporting suspected fraud.

>> Anyone who thinks they know someone who is claiming benefits fraudulently please call 0800 7311892 or email benefitfraud@scambs.gov.uk