A Bromley couple has been convicted of benefit fraud after failing to declare income from a business selling second hand clothes on eBay.

Merisha Aldrich, 41, and Martin Ayres, 49, of Bromley Gardens, were convicted Bromley Magistrates Court on Tuesday July 22.

A fraud investigation began after an anonymous tip-off and it was revealed the couple had undeclared bank accounts and income from the online enterprise.

Ms Aldrich had also received Housing and Council Tax Benefit since April 2002, though in January 2009 told the council her partner was now living with her.

It was found the pair had been overpaid £9,493.18 in Housing Benefit from January 2009 to December 2013 and £1,721.17 in Council Tax Benefit between January 2009 and April this year.

Both Aldrich and Ayres pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to a 12-month Community Order with 180 hours of unpaid work. They were also ordered to pay £400 costs.

Chairman of Bromley’s audit committee Councillor Neil Reddin said: "This case demonstrates the importance of the public raising concerns, which in this case has led to these cheats being prosecuted.

"We must ensure that public funds are safeguarded and only used for those in genuine need."