David Finan, 36, and Michelle Westlake, 37, of North Way, Betteshanger, were claiming benefit after inheriting £50,000, a court has been told.

The couple were sentenced before Canterbury Crown Court for failing to notify Dover District Council and the Department of Work and Pensions that they had received the inheritance.

They were overpaid benefit of around £31,500. They pleaded guilty and Mr Finan was sentenced to 23 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He was also given a community work order of 140 hours, to be undertaken within the 12 months suspension period. Miss Westlake was also sentenced to a community work order of 140 hours within the next year.

A council spokesman said: "They were each ordered to pay £450 costs. The district council and the Department of Work and Pensions will recover the overpaid benefits."