A woman dubbed the Queen of Benefits, her ex partner and another man have appeared in court charged in connection with the theft of more than £10,500 from car parks.

Cheryl Prudham, who has courted controversy after raking in £40,000 a year in benefits and splashing out on lavish gifts for her 12 children, is accused of handling stolen cash.

Robert Prudham, of Milton Street, Maidstone, is charged with stealing £10,758 from Meteor Parking and Vinci Parking — both now part of Indigo Park Services UK.

The 31-year-old is also accused of failing to disclose criminal convictions to Folkestone-based recruitment firm Red Eagle.

Jacob Underdown, 27, of Emerald View, in Warden Bay, has also been charged with the same theft offences.

Medway Magistrates' Court heard last week how Underdown and Prudham allegedly took the notes and coins from car parks at Maidstone's Fremlin Walk, Darent Valley Hospital and a number of parking meters.

Money paid at hospital car parks is split between the operator and the NHS trust.

Former Teynham resident Cheryl Prudham, 34, and now living in Warrington, is said to have handled the money.

The trio denied all the charges and are due to stand trial at Maidstone Crown Court next month.