A mother from West Watford has been convicted of benefit fraud after wrongfully claiming more than £12,000 in lone parent payments.

Diane Crofts, of Chauncey House, Croxley View, Watford, was convicted of benefit fraud following a joint prosecution brought by Watford Borough Council and the Department for Works and Pension (DWP).

Crofts had been claiming income support, housing benefit and Council Tax benefits as a lone parent since 2001.

In October 2007, however, Crofts moved in with her partner, David Byrne, but failed to notify either the council or the DWP.

Crofts continued to claim benefit until she was caught out by the DWP last year. The 36-year-old was then interviewed by investigation officers from both the council and the DWP in October 2008.

At the interview, she admitted that there had been a change in her circumstances as she “tried to make a go of her relationship” with Mr Byrne.

From October 5, 2007, until October 1, 2008, Ms Diane Crofts received a total of £12,522 in housing and Council Tax benefits, and income support.

Appearing at Watford Magistrates' Court, Crofts was given a fine of £485 and ordered to pay £365 in costs.

She has also made an arrangement with the relevant agencies to repay all of the overpaid benefit.

Councillor Andy Wylie, the council’s cabinet member for financial issues said: “Agencies do work together to combat benefit fraud.

“This is yet another successful joint prosecution by the DWP and Watford Borough Council and it should send a clear message that benefit cheats won’t be tolerated. In all cases, overpaid benefit has to be repaid.”

To report a fraud in confidence, call the council’s freephone fraud hotline on 0800 458 9200, or write to the council’s fraud section at the Town Hall.