A mother who falsely claimed more than £66,000 in benefits has been spared jail.

Sharon Davidson was told an eight-month prison sentence could be suspended because of the circumstances of her case.

The 37-year-old mum-of-two, of Saunders Street, Gillingham, made the dishonest claims for income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit over six years and nine months.

Mary Jacobson, prosecuting, said they were made on the basis that Davidson was a single parent, but her employed partner Michael Fitzgerald was also living at her address.

Davidson at first denied three charges of false representation, claiming she had parted from Mr Fitzgerald some years ago and they had only recently been reconciled.

A trial was abandoned and she then pleaded guilty.

Miss Jacobson told Maidstone Crown Court the total amount in the charges was £66,222.

Davidson had repaid just £500 and civil action was being taken to recoup the rest.

Bill Bailey, defending, said Davidson was someone who was easily persuaded. She had an on-off relationship with Mr Fitzgerald.

He added: "She is petrified of going to prison and being separated from her young children."

Judge Philip St John-Stevens said it was clear Davidson's domestic situation played a great part in the offences being committed.

Suspending the sentence for 18 months with supervision and 150 hours unpaid work, he added: "There are underlying circumstances to take into account."