A woman from Hayes has been given an eight month jail sentence for using a false identity to fraudulently claim over £11,000 in benefits.

Khadija Benbourkhmis of Tudor Road, Hayes, appeared at Harrow Crown Court on May 20 following an investigation by Hillingdon Council.

She pleaded guilty to two counts of dishonesty for using counterfeit identity documents in order to falsely claim housing and council tax benefits.

The investigation established that Miss Benbourkhmis, an Algerian national, claimed benefit using a fake French passport under the name of Miss Veronique Bacha.

She also applied for housing assistance under her real name before she was caught and arrested.

Miss Benbourkhmis was interviewed by officers from Hillingdon Council and the Department for Work and Pensions, and it was established that she had fraudulently obtained benefits amounting to £11,884.

Garry Coote, Hillingdon's Corporate Fraud Team Manager, said: "The judgement sends out a clear message that benefit fraud will not be tolerated.

"Claiming benefits under a false identity is a serious crime and I am very pleased with the outcome of our investigation."

Anyone who suspects benefit fraud should contact the council's hotline on 0800 389 8313.