The estranged partner of a mother dubbed the Queen of Benefits has today admitted stealing cash from meters at car parks.

Robert Prudham, of Milton Street, Maidstone, had previously denied four charges of theft of £4,788 from Meteor Parking Ltd between January 4 and February 12 2014 and fraud.

But today the tattooed 32-year-old admitted the offences - and was warned he could be facing a jail sentence.

His ex, Cheryl Prudham, 34, who has just announced she is expecting her 13th child, had previously admitted handling cash stolen from the car parks.

The mother, now of Grasmere Avenue, Warrington, Cheshire, and Robert Prudham will be sentenced after the trial of Jacob Underdown, 27, of Emerald View, Warden Bay, Sheppey, who has denied the theft charges.

Cheryl Prudham, who has lived in Gravesend and Teynham, was given the title after raking in more than £40,000 a year in benefits and buying lavish gifts for her children.

Robert Prudham, also known as Ring, was working as a collection man when he committed the offences.

The Kent car parks involved include Borough Green, Chatham, Hildenborough, Longfield, Maidstone East, Meopham, Rainham, Sevenoaks, Staplehurst, Orpington, Fremlin Walk, Maidstone, and Darent Valley Hospital.

The fraud offence committed between September 10 2013 and February 2 2014 involves making a false declaration to Folkestone-based Red Eagle Recruitment Specialist that he was of good character and had no criminal convictions.

Prosecutor Timothy Forster said of the offences: “It is a breach of trust and substantial sums (are involved). Clearly, custody is going to be in the court’s mind.”

Eve George, defending, said Robert Prudham admitted being responsible for half of the amount in the charges.

Judge Richard Polden adjourned sentence on Robert Prudham to obtain a probation report. Another judge previously ordered a report on Cheryl Prudham.

He told Prudham: “This is a serious matter. It does involve a breach of trust. I will renew your unconditional bail but custody will be at the forefront of the court’s mind when dealing with sentence.

“The fact I am granting bail does not mean you will not receive a custodial sentence.”

Judge Adele Williams previously told Cheryl Prudham when granting conditional bail: “It is no indication that the court will not send you to prison on the next occasion. All sentencing options are open.”

Underdown will stand trial in the week beginning April 10. A pre-trial review will be held on March 17.