A former Page 3 model jailed for fraudulently claiming thousands of pounds of benefits has been refused bail while she appeals her sentence.

Sadie Collis, 27, and her husband Derek Collis, 31, were both found guilty of benefit fraud and sentenced to eight weeks in prison.

But the couple plan to appeal the sentence and when sentenced at Worthing Magistrates Court on Thursday applied for bail pending the hearing.

They were refused and at Chichester Crown Court, today where the appeal is expected to be held next week, they were refused bail again.

Neither were at the court and the application was held behind closed doors.

Sadie Collis, winner of Miss Great Britain Bikini 2003, claimed £13,911 in housing and council tax benefits with her husband over a three-year period.

But Magistrates at Worthing heard that at the same time the couple had up to £100,000 stashed away in four undeclared bank accounts and bought a £34,000 Porsche and a £12,000 Ford Cosworth.

The couple’s solicitor Gareth Morgan told the court that they had legitimately received benefits from Worthing Borough Council at first but then had not informed the council when their finances were dramatically improved.

He said Mrs Collis had received a trust fund from her late father and Mr Collis had been given an insurance pay-out following an accident.

Mr Morgan claimed that the couple had used the money for everyday essential items they needed to live on as well as to clear their considerable debts.

But presiding magistrate Graham Toole-Mackson said that despite these apparently mitigating circumstances, the frivolous purchase of the two cars had tipped the balance towards a custodial sentence.

The couple have since paid all the money they received in benefits back to the council but will continue to serve their prison sentences unless their appeal is successful.

Sadie Collis’ mother Charlotte Tate from Worthing, was at court today and was disappointed not to see her daughter and son-in-law released.

Speaking outside the court she said: “Hopefully we will get a hearing at the early part of next week.

“The court seem aware that this is an extremely unsatisfactory situation.

“We will keep our fingers crossed.”