A woman who falsely claimed more than £27,000 worth of benefits has been sentenced to community service.

Carol Riley, 46, of Goldsdown Close, in Brimsdown, failed to declare the home she lived in was owned by her mother.

She pleaded guilty to two charges under the Social Security Administration Act of falsely claiming housing benefit.

Wood Green Crown Court heard Ms Riley told Enfield Borough Council she was not related to her landlord when she made a claim for housing benefit.

Ms Riley’s entitlement to income support had also ceased but she had not told the council and continued to receive her housing benefit payments.

She was found to be overpaid housing benefit of £27,885 and council tax benefit of £1,312, which the council is in the process of recovering from her.

Cabinet member for finance and efficiency Cllr Andrew Stafford said: “In fraud cases we often see claimants pretending to not know their landlord in order to get housing benefits.

“Our assessors constantly check such claims, and this is how fraudsters, such as Ms Riley, come to light.

“Lying to the authorities is not worth it, you will be caught and prosecuted and Enfield council will make every effort to recover every penny stolen.”