A 51-YEAR-OLD woman is accused of falsely claiming £45,000 in benefits.

Sarah Kain, of Pippenfield, Warndon, appeared before Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, January 18.

She faces allegations that she made dishonest statements or representations to Worcester City Council, failing to provide information that she held capital in the form of a property at Marathon Way, London.

The five allegations of dishonestly making a false statement to obtain benefit/advantage or payment, namely housing and council tax benefit, are alleged to have occurred between 2007 and 2017, and Kain is accused of receiving a total of £45,463.

She did not enter a plea during Thursday’s hearing. Magistrates granted unconditional bail.

Due to sentencing guidelines, the matter was transferred to Worcester Crown Court, where she is due to appear on Wednesday, February 14.