THURROCK Council brought seven cases relating to benefit fraud before magistrates in Basildon on Friday.

Margaret Rose Hill, 56, of High Road, Grays was charged with four offences of claiming Council Tax Benefit between 2005 and 2008 resulting in an overpayment of £1,028.55 – she failed to declare capital and that she had a partner.

After admitting the offences, Hill was fined £750, ordered to pay £394 costs and £15 victim surcharge – in addition to repaying the overpaid benefit.

Karen Durrant, 36, of Salisbury Avenue, Stanford-le-Hope admitted two offences relating to failure to declare the true circumstances relating to her maintenance paid through the Child Support Agency, resulting in an overpayment of £5,847.12.

She was fined £500 and ordered to pay £477.50 costs and £15 victim surcharge – in addition to repaying the overpaid benefit.

Patricia Ann Speed, 70, of Fulbrook Lane, South Ockendon, pleaded guilty to failing to declare capital and bonds, resulting in an overpayment of £8,495.29 Housing Benefit and £976.01 Council Tax Benefit.

She was fined £750 and ordered to pay £695.50 and £15 victim surcharge – in addition to repaying the overpaid benefit.

Brian Cheasman, 47, of Carnach Green, South Ockendon, admitted four charges in relation to failing to declare capital, resulting in an overpayment of over £15,000 in benefit.

He was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £469.95 costs and £15 victim surcharge – in addition to repaying the overpaid benefit.

Denise Silverton, 63, of Effingham Street, Ramsgate, Kent, was charged with one offence relating to quitting her home at West Thurrock, without notifying the council, resulting in an overpayment of £3053.22.

She failed to appear and the case was adjourned to Grays Magistrates Court, on 8 January 2009.

Suzanne Firman, 35, of Bryanston Road, Tilbury, also failed to appear to answer one charge of dishonesty in relation to a claim for benefit. A warrant, with bail, was issued by the magistrates.

Another who failed to appear was 39-year-old Glenna Mehurst, of London Road, Grays. She faces ten charges in relation to dishonesty when claiming benefit. A warrant, without bail, was issued.