An Abbots Langley woman has been ordered to repay over £33,000 in benefits she claimed while failing to declare she was working as an escort.

Kathleen Callan admitted claiming £18,775.96 in housing and Council Tax benefit along with the £14,537.61 under false pretences.

The 61-year-old, of The Fairway, was ordered to repay the sums at a hearing at St Albans Crown Court and given a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

She was also ordered to undertake a Women's Specific Order and pay £250 towards Three Rivers District Council’s prosecution costs.