PENSIONER Christine Bainton fraudulently claimed thousands of pounds worth of benefits over five years, a court heard.
Bainton, of Yerbury Street, Trowbridge, continued to claim housing and council tax benefits despite the fact she was working.
Counter-fraud officers from West Wiltshire District Council uncovered the 66-year-old's benefits fiddle after launching an investigation.
An overpayment of £2,165.91 in council tax benefit was repaid to the authority in full last year, but Bainton still owes a further £7,082.39 in fraudulently claimed housing benefit.
Pleading guilty to three counts of illegally obtaining housing and council tax benefits at Chippenham Magistrates' Court on March 9, Bainton was sentenced to 150 hours community punishment and ordered to pay £75 costs.
A further two charges were taken into consideration.
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