A benefits cheat conned the system out of almost £10,000.

Jane Prentice, 50, of Abbey View Drive, Minster, was prosecuted after falsely claiming Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support from Swale council between August 2016 and December 2017.

Prentice claimed to be a single parent on a low income, with three children.

But an investigation by the Department for Work and Pensions found she was living with a man and had been overpaid £9,194.68.

She pleaded guilty at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and was ordered to pay £220 in costs and victim payments. She will also have to pay back the benefits she was not entitled to.

Cabinet member for finance and performance, Cllr Duncan Dewar-Whalley (Con), said: "Benefits cheats have to learn that defrauding the public purse will ultimately catch up with them.

"These actions undermine people who legitimately claim, and make the public suspicious of the system.

"My congratulations to the Department for Work and Pensions investigations team for bringing this successful prosecution."

Prentice must also undergo a year-long community order, 15-day rehabilitation course and complete 140 hours of unpaid work.