Epping Forest District Council is claiming victory after catching a benefit cheat red-handed.

Ms Joanne McGregor of Mornington Road, Loughton was fined £293 and ordered to pay costs after admitting she made false statements on her Housing and Council Tax benefits claims.

McGregor applied for housing benefit on 10 May 2008, but stated her landlord was not known to her.

Following investigations by council officers it was revealed that her father was the landlord of the property.

Appearing at Harlow magistrates court on Friday February 27, McGregor was also asked to pay a further £329.97 to cover EFDC's prosecution costs.