Single mum Shelley Cox has appeared in court for fraudulently claiming almost £17,000 in benefits over nearly two years.

The 27-year-old of Condor Close, Warden Bay, sobbed as she admitted the offences, which happened while she was working as a canteen assistant at Swaleside Prison, Eastchurch.

The case before Sittingbourne magistrates on Monday was brought by the Department of Work and Pensions.

Its barrister, John Luckhurst said: “She claimed more than £10,038 in housing benefit, £5,430 in income support and £1,303 in council tax. She was of previous good character.

“The offences occurred during a 96-week period starting in January 2005.

“She failed to notify the Department of Work and Pensions or Swale Borough Council about a change in circumstances.”

Nick Baskett, defending, said: “Miss Cox used to serve in the Army, but she left in 2004.

“She is dyslexic and had some problem in filling in the benefit forms. She has a dependent child who is seven and another child.

“She did not notify the authorities of a change in her circumstances when she got a job at the prison as a canteen assistant.

“Her efforts to notify them were inadequate. She is now a full-time mum and is claiming more than £900 in benefits.”

Danny Hales, chairman of the bench, told her: “We shall adjourn this case, for a full probation report about your life to be prepared.

“We don’t want a repeat of the offences.”

The case was adjourned until July 21, and Miss Cox was given unconditional bail.