A woman who had been fraudulently claiming benefits from Three Rivers District Council since 2007, while working as a nurse, has been prosecuted.

Tanya Nasir appeared at Hemel Hempstead Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to four counts of benefit fraud under Section 111A(1)(a) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

The court heard how Nasir had claimed the benefits on the basis she was on a limited income as a single parent, and did not declare her employment as a bank nurse with the NHS.

During a counter-fraud investigation, evidence was obtained to show that Nasir had been claiming the money since October 2007.

She was sentenced to a 12 month community order and 120 hours unpaid work.

The council was awarded £500 towards prosecution costs.