A Solva grandmother who dishonestly claimed benefits could take 20 years to repay her debt.

Tanya Harmsworth, 40, of Brodawel, pleaded guilty to receiving an over payment of £28,099.78 in benefits when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates last week.

The court heard that Harmsworth had dishonestly failed to notify the relevant departments of a change in her circumstances which could affect her entitlement to housing benefit and employment support allowance.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, told the bench that Harmsworth had not informed the Pembrokeshire County Council and the Department for Work and Pensions that she was living with her partner Charles Marsden.

The two offences took place between 2013 and 2016 in Tenby and Harmsworth initially claimed that Mr Marsden was living at his mother’s address.

Miss Morgan said: “Charles Marsden was identified during an investigation as paying rent and the TV licence at the address. His back account history was also linked to her address, as was his vehicle insurance.”

Magistrates heard that a repayment plan had already been put in place, at a rate of £124 a month.

Stacey Holmes, defending, said Harmsworth was ‘completely unaware’ that she should have told the departments that her partner was living with her, and has been dealing with serious matters in her personal life at the time.

“At the time her mind was on her personal circumstances. It is a completely isolated offence. It was a total shock to her and not something that she wishes to repeat.

“She is sorry for her actions.”

Magistrates sentenced Harmsworth to six months in custody, suspended for two years.

The chairman of the bench said: “What we are most concerned about is that this money gets paid back.”

She was ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £115 victim surcharge, which will be deducted from her benefits.