A woman who cheated Watford taxpayers out of almost £7,000 was handed a suspended prison sentence at Hatfield Magistrates Court.

Albulena Rexhepi, who previously lived in Monmouth Road, Watford, was caught claiming housing benefit from two local authorities between August 19, 2013, and June 2, 2014.

The 27-year-old failed to tell Watford Borough Council she had moved to Exchange Walk, Pinner, and then started claiming benefits from Harrow Council as well as claiming housing benefit for her former Watford home.

Watford Borough Council calculated Rexhepi was overpaid £6,872.82 in housing benefit over the period.

She was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and 60 hours of unpaid work at Hatfield Magistrates Court on Monday, May 18. She was also ordered to pay £200 in costs.

Garry Turner, fraud manager at Watford Borough Council, said: "Benefits are there to help the poorest in our society. People who commit benefit fraud are stealing from the taxpayer and we will not tolerate it.

"Rexhepi is one of many who thought they could abuse the system and get away with it - only to be caught and prosecuted by Watford Borough Council. We will now be getting all of the taxpayer’s money back from her.

"To confidentially report someone who is committing benefit fraud in Watford, phone 0800 458 9200, email fraud@watford.gov.uk, or visit www.watford.gov.uk."