Suffolk woman told to pay back £144,000 worth of benefit claims after being caught water-skiing

A woman from Martlesham Heath near Ipswich has been ordered to pay back thousands of pounds she claimed fraudulently in benefits.

65-year-old Janet Curtis falsely claimed the money over a period of more than two decades - telling the authorities she was severely disabled and couldn't afford luxuries, while splashing out on a series of expensive adventure holidays - and watersports.

She'd told the authorities she couldn't walk for more than 2-3 metres without extreme discomfort, leaving her reliant upon a wheelchair and 24 hour care.

She took six holidays, including two on the QE2, having told the authorities she couldn't afford any luxuries.

She also claimed single person's housing and council tax benefit for her home in Martlesham Heath near Ipswich, while she was living with a friend in Clacton.

In 2012 staff at Suffolk coastal district council became suspicious and put her under surveillance.

She was eventually charged with falsely claiming a total of £144,000 in benefits, to which she pleaded guilty.

In court today, Janet Curtis was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 2 years.

She was also placed under a curfew for 6 months.

The judge said she lied on numerous occasions to protect her benefits and that her disabilities had been greatly exaggerated so she could not only support her living expenses but also some luxury items and trips abroad.

For the council, it's a clear warning to false claimants.

Janet Curtis didn't want to speak on camera - but despite pleading guilty to all 9 charges, she maintains she claimed the benefits in all honesty.

The council has ordered she pay back the £144,000 in full - although off camera she said she won't be able to pay back a penny.

Click below to watch a report from ITV News Anglia's Hannah Pettifer