A BRAUNTON woman claimed more than £13,000 in benefits, despite having a £64,000 legacy from her father in a secret bank account.

Joanne McKnight, 57, of Westlands, Wrafton, was prosecuted at North Devon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday last week for failing to notify North Devon Council about a change of circumstances which could affect her benefits.

She also pleaded guilty to three charges of making a false statement or representation to obtain a benefit.

Prosecuting for North Devon Council, Trevor Blatchford said McKnight, who he described as an "experienced benefit claimant", inherited the money in 2006 but continued to claim housing and council tax benefits for four years.

In total, McKnight wrongly claimed £13,455.

The court heard McKnight, who worked at a butcher's in Braunton, also failed to declare a second job as a cleaner.

She also said she had no bank accounts despite having three, one of which she shared with her brother.

Mr Blatchford said she failed to give a satisfactory explanation as to why she did not declare the inheritance.

McKnight said she did not inform the council about the changes because she intended to get a full-time job and stop the benefits altogether.

Mr Blatchford said: "The council views this as a serious matter and really does not accept the explanation.

"Four years later, she was still claiming to have no cash or bank accounts. She clearly stated in interview she knew she had to tell the council but concealed it."

For the defence, Rod Ball, said McKnight had since paid back every penny. He said: "The council did not lose any money. She got nothing out of her deception.

"She started a very legitimate claim and then came the legacy. She was perplexed as to what to do with it."

He said she wanted to buy a house with the money but could not afford one. He said: "When you are in a hole, you should stop digging, but I am afraid she did not. She has felt very guilty about it."

Magistrate Robin Hagley said: "This is very serious. The court is most concerned the public purse was defrauded by such a big amount but, to your credit, you have repaid the money."

The magistrates departed from their guidelines of custody or a community penalty and fined McKnight £2,750.

She was also ordered to pay £75 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.