A Braunstone resident has received a criminal record after admitting over £10,000 in benefit fraud.

Hardev Kaur Basra, 58, of The Osiers, Braunstone, Leicester, claimed Income Support, Housing and Council Tax Benefit on the basis of being a single person.

An investigation by Blaby District Council and Jobcentre Plus found that between October 2010 and October 2011, Hardev’s husband had in fact been living with her.

This means she was not entitled to the money.

Her husband was working whilst she continued to claim benefits and they also travelled together to India.

Hardev was overpaid £4,959.71 in Housing Benefit, £1,229.67 in Council Tax and £4,624.10 in Income Support.

She denied the allegations throughout the investigation, but admitted all charges at Leicester Magistrates Court on Tuesday 22 January 2013.

Senior Magistrates said they were puzzled that she did not know where her money was coming from.

Hardev was sentenced to two years Conditional Discharge and ordered to pay £200 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge. All the overpaid monies are being recovered.

If a further offence is committed within the two years she may also be re-sentenced for this offence.

Councillor John Hudson, Finance and Efficiency portfolio holder at Blaby District Council, said:

“This sends a clear message that the Council takes fraud very seriously and people should know they run the risk of being prosecuted if they are not honest about their circumstances.

Benefit cheats in Blaby district can be reported online at www.blaby.gov.uk/fraud or by calling 0116 272 7733. All calls are confidential and callers can remain anonymous.