Fraudster claimed £14,000 in benefits while working four jobs

A fraudster who claimed benefits while holding down four different jobs could be forced to pay back £14,000 she swindled.

Oluwakmi Bakare, now known as Omolewa Ibiyoye, 40,, admitted failing to declare two periods of employment while claiming housing and council tax benefits.

She has now been ordered to carry out 160 hours of community service - but Croydon Council is refusing to write off her debt and says it will seek full repayment.

The fraud came to light when Croydon Council ran an operation to match data held on their systems with other agencies.

Ms Bakare, of Goulding Gardens, Thornton Heath, was convicted of three offences relating to benefit fraud and false representation on Friday August 15.

For failing to declare her employment she was sentenced to 160 hours community punishment order, and she was given 60 hours for failing to declare her savings account, but these will be served concurrently.

She was also placed under a one year supervision order and ordered to pay £2,000 costs.

Councillor Gavin Barwell, cabinet member for resources and customer services said: "I hope this case acts as a warning to others who think they can cheat the system, you will be found out and you will be prosecuted."