A MUM-OF-FOUR who cheated taxpayers out of £46,000 in benefits and blew it on drink and drugs has been jailed for nine months.

Lisa Jackson, 33, of Hatherley Road, Gloucester, was sent down despite pleading for freedom to be with her dying mother.

For four years Jackson conned Gloucester city council and the Department of Work and Pensions out of the benefits by claiming she was a single mother with no income.

The truth was that she was living with and being supported by partner Nicholas Scott, who was earning up to £24,000 a year, Gloucester Crown Court heard.

For the full story, see Weekend Citizen tomorrow.