A SINGLE mother who claimed income support while working as a waitress has been told to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work.

Kay Hutton, 46, failed to declare her work when she fraudulently claimed £2,262, Chelmsford Crown Court was told.

Hutton, of Fitches Crescent, Maldon, admitted failing to notify her employment between April 26, 2006 and October 23, 2007.

Recorder Baker said although it was not a huge sum, such offences were unacceptable because they took advantage of public funds.

Prosecuting, David Jugnarain said Hutton would still have been entitled to some benefit even though she was working. The overpayment was now being clawed back from her benefit payments, he added.

She was accused of waitressing for Maldon Thames barge firm, Topsail Charters, on a casual basis, earning about £3,200 over two seasons.

When Hutton was interviewed she said she thought the work had been declared by her employer.

Her lawyer, Nneka Akudolu, said she denied working before May 2007.

She added Hutton’s financial situation had been “dire” and had not since been helped when her £64-a-week benefit was cut to £37 to pay back what she owed.