A benefits cheat swindled the taxpayer out of nearly £10,000 by claiming she was working part time.

Aseel Alissa of Hill Crescent, Worcester Park, was ordered to do 100 hours unpaid community work and pay costs of £85 by Camberwell Green Magistrates court on 2 July.

The 46-year-old admitted that from November 2010 to July 2012 she claimed £9,440 in Housing and Council Tax Benefits which was not entitled to.

Alissa claimed she was working part-time at a pharmacy when she was actually working 36 hours a week.

The fraud was uncovered by Sutton Council’s Assessment Team which carried out a Benefits Review into her claim, and the council is now seeking full recovery of the overpayment.

Councillor Richard Clifton, Sutton Council’s revenues and benefits spokesman, said: "People who fraudulently claim benefits are stealing from everyone who pays their taxes.

"Benefits exist for people in real need. Our investigation officers are absolutely dedicated to rooting out cheats and making sure they are properly punished."

If you think someone is claiming housing benefit, council tax benefit or a council tax reduction they are not entitled to please call the council’s Investigation Team in confidence on 020 8770 5687 or visit www.sutton.gov.uk. Alternatively call the National Benefit Fraud hotline on 0800 328 6340 or textphone on 0800 328 6341.