A GRANDMOTHER is facing jail for conning councils out of more than £50,000 in benefits.

Elizabeth Hart, aged 66, repeatedly lied on claim forms to hide her ownership of a house, a court heard.

Hart, who moved around the country, falsely claimed £53,000 in housing benefit and council tax relief over more than five years.

She was released on bail from Plymouth Crown Court while a probation officer prepares a report. But Judge Simon Carr warned her: 'The most likely sentence is one of custody given the amount of money involved and you should prepare yourself for that.'

Hart, of Brook Street, Tavistock, pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud by false representation. She dishonestly failed to declare, while making claims, that she owned a house in Spring Hill in the town.

Hart tricked West Devon Borough Council, North Cornwall District Council and Brighton and Hove Council in Sussex by applying for benefits at other addresses, the court heard.

Sarah Vince, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said a Proceeds of Crime Act application was being considered to recover her ill-gotton gains.

Jo Martin, for Hart, admitted her client faced a prison sentence — either immediate or suspended.

She added: 'Her 25-year-old son Troy committed suicide in 2004 and ever since she has struggled to cope. She has never received any bereavement counselling.'

Miss Martin said she had never lived in the Spring Hill house but had rather allowed her other son and her grandchildren to live there. She added that because she never charged rent, her son in turn did not claim housing benefit.

Miss Martin said: 'She has not really gained anything from this.'

Judge Carr released her on unconditional bail for sentence on January 26.