TWO benefit fraudsters from Potters Bar who failed to declare they had started working were found guilty at Hemel Hempstead Magistrates' Court last Friday.

Mandy Richardson, 46, of Carpenters Way pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to notify Hertsmere Borough Council of changes in her circumstances, which resulted in an overpayment of more than £5,000.

The court sentenced Mrs Richardson to a community order of a curfew lasting a month, meaning she will have to be at home by 8pm each evening, and to pay back the incorrectly claimed benefit.

Louise Cain, 29, of Forbes Avenue, also failed to notify the council of her employment and that her tax credit had increased, leading to an overpayment of more than £3,000.

Ms Cain was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge, will have to pay back the money, and contribute £150 toward the council's prosecution costs.

Councillor John Graham, finance portfolio holder at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “We take benefit fraud very seriously and cases like these show that we will investigate where necessary and use all our powers to prosecute and recover the money.”