A man has admitted claiming £66,000 worth of his dead mother's benefits, including her winter fuel allowance, over a seven year period.

Brian Dixon, 65, of Dukes Avenue in New Malden was dressed in a grey suit and jacket when he appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to four counts of dishonesty.

His mother Joanna Dixon died on February 5, 2004, and her son began claiming on her behalf within less than a week.

Over seven years he claimed attendance allowance, winter fuel payments, Christmas bonuses and even a state pension.

Prosecutor Stanley Amah said: "There are multiple factors in this case.

"The offences began in 2004 and they have run on until 2011 until they were discovered by the Department for Work and Pensions.

"The financial gain in this case is at £66,000."

The case has been committed to Kingston Crown Court for a later date where a pre-sentence report on Dixon will also be submitted.