An alleged Ipswich benefit cheat has appeared in court accused of making false claims totalling £70,000.

The accusations against Mwantime Mdami, of Romney Road, are said to have occurred over a period of seven years.

South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court was told the charges were so serious that case would have to be dealt with at Ipswich Crown Court.

The 39-year-old was summonsed before magistrates in a prosecution by Ipswich Borough Council. She faces four charges.

The first related to failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change of circumstances when in receipt of income support between November 14, 2003 and January 6, 2011.

Mdami is accused of failing to tell the DWP that her partner had moved in with her.

The second charge involved dishonestly making a false representation on or about August 10, 2004, relating to an income support claim which allegedly stated she did not have a partner living with her.

The two other accusations involve alleged applications to the borough council for housing benefit and council tax.

One is said to have taken place between July 3, 2008 and January 6, 2011. The other is alleged to have occurred on July 3, 2008.

Mdami did not enter pleas to any of the charges.

The case was committed to Ipswich Crown Court with a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 13 when pleas can be entered.