David Waistle, of Acomb, and his wife Jane pleaded guilty at York Crown Court to charges of obtaining almost �25,000 of benefits by deception.

Mrs Waistle received a two-year probation order after claiming her husband had left home when he had not.

"The court recognised the seriousness of the case," a council statement read.

The Waistles had falsely claimed �17,000 in income support, �6,574 in housing benefit and �1,389 in council tax benefit, the court heard.