A former Penge woman has admitted cheating Bromley Council out of £3,156 in benefits.

Bianca Lilley, formerly of High Street, was sentenced at Bromley Magistrates’ Court.

The 25-year-old defrauded the council out of housing and council tax benefits from July 2012 to March last year.

She was handed a £75 fine, ordered to pay £100 costs and a further £20 victim surcharge fee, after pleading guilty to one offence of fraud.

Lilley has been ordered to pay all the money back to the council.

Bromley Council investigated the case following a referral from the police.

Councillor Neil Reddin, Bromley’s audit committee chairman, said: “This case shows that any referrals received from other bodies or members of the public will be investigated and if proven cheats will be prosecuted.

“We will protect public funds and ensure that these are used for people in genuine need.”