A woman who dishonestly claimed benefits while working as a residential child care worker for Suffolk County Council has been ordered to pay £13,700 compensation to Babergh District Council.

Keirderin Knight, 45, of Broom Street, Great Cornard, was overpaid more than £13,000 in housing and council tax benefit as a result of her failing to tell the authorities that she was working.

She had also failed to mention she had capital in excess of the amount allowed and a financial interest in a house.

In May this year Knight admitted three offences of dishonestly failing to notify a change in her circumstances and was given a 22-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

She was also placed under the supervision of the probation service for 12 months and ordered to attend a Women’s Emotional Wellbeing programme.

Sentencing her, Judge John Devaux said: “You kept information hidden from those who needed to know it so they could decide if you were entitled to benefits and what amount.”

Yesterday, Knight returned to Ipswich Crown Court for a hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act and was ordered to pay £13,701 compensation to Babergh District Council and £1,500 prosecution costs.

Lynne Shirley, prosecuting, said Knight’s benefit from her offending was £13,701 and her assets were £25,000, which was a 50% share of a property in Broom Road, Great Cornard.

Judge Rupert Overbury ordered that she serve an eight-month prison sentence in default of payment.