A DROITWICH woman has admitted receiving nearly £5,000 in benefits which she was not entitled to.

Melanie Austin, aged 37, of Ploughmans Court, Westlands, was charged with two counts of failing to promptly notify the Department of Work and Pensions that she was living with Paul Austin as husband and wife.

Ruth Edwards, prosecuting, told the court Austin received £4,952.43 overpayment in housing benefit and council tax and income support between June 2010 and February 2011.

Austin had repaid around £500 when she appeared in front of Worcester magistrates.

Judith Kenney, defending, said: “This was not dishonesty. She notified without knowing she was being investigated.”

Magistrates said Austin’s efforts to repay the overpayment were impressive.

She was fined £250 for each offence and ordered to pay £100 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge.