A WOMAN who claimed benefits despite owning two houses has been ordered to hand over £106,000 after being jailed for an eight-year fraud.

Sarah Elizabeth Dean was given a one-year prison sentence last April after she falsely claimed £44,698 in housing and council tax benefit.

The 49-year-old, of Barton-le-Willows, near Malton, North Yorkshire, was brought back to court to face confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act following an investigation by Ryedale District Council and investigators Veritau, described as a “landmark case” for the authority.

Dean rented out two houses in York over the eight years she was receiving benefits she and did not declare she owned them or the income she received from them.

She admitted eight charges when she was sentenced last year.

The confiscation hearing at York Crown Court saw her being ordered to pay £39,102.52 in compensation and a further £55,307, which was deemed to be the amount she received in rent by letting out the homes while claiming benefits. She must also pay full legal costs totalling £11,720.

Angela Jones, the council’s business support manager, said: “I am delighted with this result, as this was a very serious case of fraud against the council."

A Veritau spokesman said: “We are pleased the severity of this crime has been recognised not just in the sentence handed down to the defendant, but also with the awards made in court.“