A woman who falsely claimed more than £7,000 in housing and council tax benefit was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court.

Nicole Parillon, of Mortimer Crescent, Worcester Park, was found guilty with defrauding Epsom and Ewell Borough Council of £6,541.91 in housing benefit and £933.07 in council tax benefit.

The 47-year-old was convicted for failing to notify the council of a change in her circumstances.

When she started full time work, the defendant continued to receive housing and council tax benefit which she was not entitled to, until she moved to Ashtead.

When interviewed by investigators Miss Parillon admitted that due to severe financial difficulties she had continued to claim benefits which she knew she should not receive.

She was also sentenced to a Community Order to carry out 120 hours unpaid work.

Miss Parillon was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to the Council and £400 costs or serve 14 days imprisonment. She also has to repay the remainder of the money she was overpaid