André Williams, STAR Writer

A Jamaican who claimed more than £26,000 (JA$4,581,626.69) in benefits over 12 years in the United Kingdom, was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment, but told she does not have to pay the cash back, THE WEEKEND STAR understands.

Patricia Jarrett, 41, was held after she applied for a British passport using a fake birth certificate.

According to www.expressandstar.com, Jarrett, of Cheshire Road, Smethwick, came into the UK in 2002 from her native Jamaica.

On her arrival, however, the mother of one could only stay in the country for six months, and was told she couldn't claim state money.

The Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that Jarrett claimed council tax benefit from Sandwell Council as well as income support and job seekers' allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

An internal investigation revealed that, despite her claims from January 2010 to June this year, an investigation into her finances found she was unable to pay back the cash.

The court also heard that the fake birth certificate was bought from a man called 'Pete' in West Bromwich for £200.

Jarrett has admitted to possession of a fake birth certificate; making false representation to obtain a provisional driving licence, possession of the driving licence, and making an untrue statement to obtain a passport.

She has also admitted to making two false claims to the DWP and another to Sandwell Borough Council, to obtain benefits.