A former Felixstowe woman has pleaded guilty to defrauding Suffolk Coastal council out of more than £3,000.

Valerie Lunt, 52, formerly of Maple House, Grange Road, but now living in Tydd St Mary, Wisbech, Cambs, appeared at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to failing to promptly notify a change in circumstances – an increase in her pay – which she knew would affect her benefits.

This resulted in an overpayment of £2,318 in housing benefit and £762 in council tax benefit, which she will have to repay in full to the council.

She was sentenced to 50 hours’ unpaid community work and must pay £150 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.