A Co Down mother-of-five today admitted pretending to be a single parent to gain £65,000 (€95,000) in benefit payments.
Christine Cole (38), of Breezemount Close, Conlig, Co Down, pleaded guilty to a 14 charges when she appeared before Downpatrick Crown Court.
The offences, over a six-year period up until 2004, involved making false statements to the Bangor Social Security office to fraudulently claim both income support and housing benefit. She made claims as a single parent while living with her partner.
The judge adjourned the case until next month to enable pre-sentence reports to be drawn up.
The accused was granted continuing bail until she appears at Newtownards Court on October 27th.
Already this year, more than 200 people have been found guilty by the courts of fraudulently obtaining benefits.