A benefits cheat who conned almost £10,000 out of the taxpayer has been sentenced to community service.

Suna Grainger, of Stoneleigh Avenue in Worcester Park, claimed to be a single parent living alone  when in actual fact she was living with her partner who was in work.

This resulted in her being paid £9,164.99 she was not owed.

Grainger appeared in front Wimbledon magistrates who acknowledged that her claims were initially true but said she failed to notify the Sutton Council of the change in her circumstances and continued to claim benefits she knew she was not entitled to.

Councillor Nick Emerson, the council's lead member for revenues and benefit, said: "Mrs Grainger lied to the council in order to falsely claim thousands of pounds in council tax benefit she was not entitled to.

"Council tax benefit exists so that people can receive help when they need it. Mrs Grainger abused this scheme and as a result now has a criminal record."

Grainger was sentenced to 60 hours of community service and ordered to pay £160 in costs in court on June 24.

If you think someone is a tax cheat, you can contact the council's investigation team on 020 8770 5687.