Two women have been prosecuted by Brentwood Council after illegally claiming benefits.

Jean Tucay, 40 from Knights Way, Ingrave, Brentwood, was overpaid a total of £30,472.20.

She failed to notify the Council that her partner had moved in with her.

As a result she was overpaid £27,256.16 Housing Benefit between July 5, 2010 to September 15, 2013 and £3,216.03 Council Tax benefit between July 5, 2010 to March 31, 2013.

On June 15 she pleaded guilty to one charge at Southend Crown Court.

She was sentenced to 100 hours unpaid work in the community, was ordered to pay £1,000 costs, a £60 victim surcharge and she must pay back the overpayment in full.

Diane Hibble, 48, of Woollard Way, Blackmore, was overpaid a total of £6,285.46.

She failed to notify the Council that her partner's income had increased and as a result, she was overpaid £5,268.25 Housing Benefit between May 7, 2012 to August 31, 2014, £351.90 Council Tax benefit between May 7, 2012 and March 31, 2013, and £665.31 Local Council Tax Support between April 1, 2013 and October 16, 2014.

On June 12 she pleaded guilty at Basildon's Magistrates' Court.

She was sentenced to pay £100 costs, a victim surcharge of £15 and must pay back the overpayment in full.

She was also given a 12-month conditional discharge.

Brentwood Borough Council's Chair of the Policy, Finance and Resources Committee, Councillor Louise McKinlay, said: "It is totally unacceptable for people to think they can get away with committing benefit fraud.  

"The benefits system exists to help those in genuine need and who are entitled to support - not to subsidise people who willingly defraud the taxpayer.

"We will continue to pursue benefit cheats through the courts and my message to those people who think they can get away with it is, we will catch you in the end.”

Benefit fraud can be reported anonymously via the Council's confidential Fraud Hotline on 0800 0281492 or email revenue@brentwood.gov.uk