At Harborough Magistrates’ Court on Thursday were Donna Draper (26), of Middlebrook Green and Brian Hensman (47) of Farndon Court, who, in separate cases, pleaded guilty to charges of false representation.

Draper admitted to failing to notify Harborough District Council of changes to her family circumstances.

Marion Allen, prosecuting for the district council, said Draper and her husband had been receiving benefits because he was out of work due to an injury.

But after her husband returned to work Draper failed to tell the council, leading to the family being overpaid £3,651.99.

Mrs Allen said Draper, who in October 2005 was convicted by Harborough magistrates of dishonesty and given 300 hours community work, admitted the offence during interview.

She said Draper was already paying back the money in installments.

Mike Garvey, for Draper, said his client had not informed the council of the changes because she was pregnant at the time and undergoing personal strain and worry.

He said Draper had thought her husband informed the council of the changes, adding that she had informed the council of other changes in her circumstances.

Magistrates gave Draper a two year conditional discharge and ordered that she pay £200 towards prosecution costs.

l Hensman admitted on or about March 7 last year failing to inform the council that he was living at a different address.

Mrs Allen said that Hensman had returned to his house after a spell in prison to find it had been broken into and trashed.

He moved into his partner’s house in Stuart Road, Harborough but failed to inform the council, meaning he received a total of £1,040.31 in council tax benefit to which he was not entitled.

Mr Garvey, for Hensman, said his client had not intended to live at his partner’s address for as long as he did and that he had moved back into his home by the time he realised he should have informed the council.

Hensman was given a conditional discharge for 18 months. No order was made for costs.