A BENEFIT fraudster has been sentenced to 180 hours' community service after trying to cheat the council out of nearly £20,000.

Amatul Rahmen, aged 25, pleaded guilty to attempting to obtain services by deception at Dartford Magistrates' Court on August 16.

The court heard how she applied for a housing renewal grant to help with the renovation costs of her home in December 2004.

The grants are available to people on a low income who own or occupy one property.

However, Rahmen, of Wellington Street, Gravesend, failed to declare she owned another property.

The maximum available sum of £18,449 was earmarked for the project, but before money was paid, the council discovered the application was fraudulent.

Gravesham Council decided to prosecute Rahman because of her intent to behave unlawfully.

Lead member for service excellence Councillor Ronald Bowman said: "Not only has the individual been brought to book, but thanks to the alertness of council officers no money was paid out, eliminating the need to go through the lengthy process of recovering the money."

He added: "It is a great result and a stark warning to those who might be tempted to cheat the system."