BENEFITS fraudsters have been warned they will be hauled before the courts after two fake claimants were prosecuted.

Jeanette Johnson, 45, of Oxford Crescent, Clacton, claimed £6,214.40 to which she was not entitled.

She failed to tell Tendring Council her daughter, who was living with her, was working and receiving child and working tax credit.

Johnson admitted at Colchester Magistrates’ Court making a false claim.

She was ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £150 costs. She told the court she would be contacting the council to repay the debt.

Christopher King, 29, who now lives in Avon Way, Colchester, admitted making a false claim.

King claimed housing benefit while living in Old School Lane, Elmstead Market, despite getting a job and changing address.

He wrongly claimed £1,270 from March 26 to August 12 2012.

He was ordered to carry out 75 hours of unpaid work, pay £100 costs and repay the money.

Paul Honeywood, Tendring Council’s interim leader, said: “It is essential anyone claiming benefits lets us know about all income received and if there any changes to it.

“Failure to do so can end up with an appearance before the courts, as we will not hesitate to prosecute where there is the evidence.”