A FAMILY have been convicted of fraudulently claiming more than £60,000 in benefits.

David Aston and Eugina Wallis both separately received income related employment and support allowance, claiming they were single and not living with a partner.

However, the pair were in fact married and living together in a property in Hurstpierpoint.

David Aston also dishonestly claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit on the basis that he was living in a property in Bognor with his carer.

However, daughter Kelly Aston, 31, was in fact living at the property rent free.

The 59-year-old also received disability living allowance payments on the basis he had extensive care and mobility needs.

While Eugina Wallis, 61, also dishonestly claimed housing benefit and council tax benefits.

An investigation was launched in 2014 by Mid Sussex District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions, with evidence obtained over three years.

David Aston and Eugina Wallis were subsequently arrested, and the two addresses searched. Kelly was also interviewed under caution.

It was found that a total of £62,930 was overpaid in benefits.

Judge Janet Waddicor said: “There is overwhelming evidence of dishonesty over a number of years. The amount of work by the investigators on this case is truly impressive.

“The amount of work that has gone into this investigation is astonishing. The degree of careful investigation was truly exceptional.”

After pleading guilty to the offences at Lewes Crown Court, David was sentenced to 22 months in prison, while Eugina was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison.

Kelly Aston received 12 months community service, comprising 100 hours work.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman added: “We constantly review how we tackle benefit theft. We are committed to deterring those considering fraud; to detecting fraud when it does occur and to making sure those who commit benefit theft are brought to justice.”