A TAXI driver has been sentenced to 60 hours of community service for dishonestly claiming more than £1,500 in benefits.

Samantha Lewis, aged 35, pleaded guilty to failing to declare a change of circumstances and making a false statement or representation.

The Greenhithe resident had completed a change of income form in May 2006 stating she had just started work as a taxi driver.

But after an anonymous tip-off it was discovered Lewis, of Duncannon Place, had lied about when she started work.

Lewis was overpaid £1,382 in housing benefit and £262 in council tax which will have to be repaid to Dartford Council.

She appeared at Dartford Magistrates' Court on January 26 and was also ordered to pay £260 court costs within 28 days.

To report a suspected benefit fraud, call Dartford Council's 24-hour fraud hotline on 0800 496 3245 or visit, dartford.gov. uk/benefitfraud