CONCEALING an inheritance from the benefits office for four years has landed a Huntingdon woman a fine of �600.

Joan East, 59, of Sapley Park, pleaded guilty to three charges of benefit fraud between October 2007 and July 2010, and was sentenced at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday (November 8).

She failing to declare she had money saved in bank accounts and as a result, was overpaid �6,350.90 between 2007 and 2011.

David Potter, mitigating, said East had received an inheritance in October 2007 which had been paid into bank accounts which she had concealed from the council.

He added that East had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and has arranged to repay the money owed.

Mr Potter told the court his client was embarrassed and ashamed of her actions, which he said were out of character and had resulted in the loss of her good name.

East was ordered to pay a fine of �600 and the council’s costs of �460 in full within 28 days.

INFORMATION: Contact HDC’s fraud hotline on 01480 388188 or e-mail fraud.team@huntsdc.gov.uk