CHRISTINE CUNNINGHAM A 29 year-old woman yesterday admitted falsely claiming benefits totalling more than £34,000 when she appeared at Norwich Crown Court.

CHRISTINE CUNNINGHAM

A 29 year-old woman yesterday admitted falsely claiming benefits totalling more than £34,000 when she appeared at Norwich Crown Court.

Lynsey Dye, of The Oaks, Rockland St Mary, near Norwich, pleaded guilty to eight charges involving false benefit claims after she failed to inform the authorities about her change in circumstances when she started living with a partner.

The charges date back to 2001 and involve false claims for housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support.

The court heard she received £19,000 in housing benefit, £13,000 in council tax benefit and £2,500 in other benefits.

John Morgans, defending, said Dye's claims had not started out as dishonest and she was now starting to pay some of the cash back.

Amanda Adams, South Norfolk Council's benefits manager said: "We are delighted with the outcome of the case, which comes after patient investigation with the Department of Work and Pensions.

"Miss Dye hid from us the fact that she had a partner.

"For four years she claimed housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support and, in court, pleaded guilty to fraud.

"In 2004, her partner, plumber Joseph Smith, who lived with her, supplied the then South Norfolk Council housing department with a quotation for installing a gas central heating system at one of our properties. A Housing Officer noticed the address he was using was the same house where Miss Dye claimed to be living alone. The officer alerted the fraud team.

"Anyone considering fraud who thinks they can play one part of the council off against the other is making a serious mistake. Miss Dye made that mistake, and we expect her to be sentenced later this month."

The case was adjourned until June 28 for sentence.