A BENEFIT cheat has admitted falsely claiming almost £20,000 in handouts.

Marie Confrey, 45, of Sparkbridge, Laindon, admitted knowingly making a false statement or representation to obtain housing and council tax benefit.

She also admitted four charges of failing to notify of changes in circumstances.

Confrey, was handed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months at Basildon Magistrates’ Court.

She had failed to declare her partner was selfemployed and that she had a second job.

Confrey was overpaid £14,751 housing benefit between January 11, 2010 and February 3, 2013.

She was overpaid £4,215 council tax benefit between January 11, 2010 and January 13, 2013.

Confrey was also placed under curfew from 8pm to 6am for three months, ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge and costs of £1,340.

Stuart Sullivan, councillor responsible for resources, said: “Benefit fraud is theft and the cheats who try and get away with it are stealing from the residents of Basildon.”