A WOMAN who was involved in the hunt for abducted Shannon Matthews faces jail next month for benefit fraud.

Cheating Amanda Hyett admitted swindling the benefits system of more than £35,000 – and has been told she faces jail.

Hyett is the sister of Craig Meehan, the ex-partner of Shannon’s mother Karen.

Hyett, 27, illegally claimed more than £35,000 in income support and housing benefit over a four-year period, Leeds Crown Court heard.

Hyett, of King Edward Street, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury, admitted four counts of making a false statement or representation to obtain benefits, one count of retaining a wrongful credit, and one count of failure to notify a change of circumstances.

She denied one count of making a false statement.

The pleas were accepted by the Crown and the case, which was not opened in court, was adjourned to November 5 for sentence.

The Recorder of Leeds, Peter Collier QC, adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

He told her: “The fact I have granted bail and asked for reports is no indication the sentence will not be custodial.

“These are serious matters you had admitted. The likely sentence is a prison sentence.

“Whether that is so or what length will be determined by the judge on November 5,” he added.

She was granted conditional bail and told to keep appointments with the probation service.