A former council worker deceived her employees to falsely claim more than £68,000 in benefits.

Ganiat Olateju, Huddlestone Crescent, Merstham used her maiden name Jaiyeola Alli to make claims for housing and council tax benefits as well as income support over a ten year period while working for Croydon Council under her married name.

Olateju, who pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court on September 20, was told by judge Ruth Downing to expect a jail term due to the “serious, criminal, cynical and sophisticated nature of the fraud”.

The court heard that she had managed to get hold of two National Insurance numbers, using one to claim benefits and the other to gain employment with the council.

The 43-year-old is due in Croydon Crown Court on October 19 for sentence.

Councillor Dudley Mead, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “It doesn’t matter who you are or who you work for, if you commit benefit fraud we will find you out, and we will always seek the highest possible penalty for your crimes.

“There is no excuse for cheating a system that is designed to help people in genuine need.”