An Otford benefit cheat has pleaded guilty to illegally claiming more than £45,000.

The case was brought to court by Sevenoaks District Council and the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) following a joint investigation.

While under investigation it was found that 68-year-old Shirley Gani had been working whilst claiming Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for over six years without declaring her earnings.

She had illegally claimed £16,325.70 in Pension Credit, £23,256.97 in Housing Benefit and £5,663.67 in Council Tax Benefit.

Gani originally pleaded not guilty to three charges of benefit fraud but changed her plea to guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, September 18.

The court took into account the defendant's age, poor health and previous good character and imposed an 11 month imprisonment suspended for two years together with a £100 victim surcharge.

Both authorities are seeking repayment of the money.

Cllr Brian Ramsay, the council's cabinet member for finance, said: "Thanks to this joint operation, we have exposed an individual who was claiming thousands of pounds in benefits that she was not legally entitled to.

"Had we not taken this action, the fraud may have continued for several more years."