A WOMAN fraudulently claimed £9,000 in benefits.

Shirley Allen, 64, continued claiming housing and council tax benefits from Basildon Council between 2008 and December 2010.

But she had failed to tell the authorities that she had left her home in The Brambles, Laindon and was no longer entitled to the cash from Basildon Council.

Allen now of Foxhall Close, East Bergholt admitted failing to notify a change of circumstances at Basildon Magistrates’ Court.

*Full story in Monday's Echo