Katona's mum walks free after fraud case

Kerry Katona's mother walked free from court today after being sentenced for benefit fraud.

Sue Katona, who suffers from agoraphobia, had admitted to wrongly claiming £6,000 in income support and council tax benefit. She requested financial assistance despite having more than £46,000 in the bank.

After leaving her house for the first time in two years to attend Runcorn Magistrates Court, Katona was relieved to be given a conditional discharge. Under the terms of the discharge, she will receive no punishment unless she commits another offence in the next 18 months.

Sentencing Katona, district judge Bridget Knight said: "I note that you suffer from depression and are receiving medication for that.

"Leaving your house to come to court must have been a huge step - I hope you have broken the back of what's been keeping you inside for the last two years and some good can come out of it."

Katona has already repaid £1,000 of income support and £770 council tax allowance. The remainder of the benefits is being paid back at £8 per week.

She had been warned that she would be arrested if she did not appear in court today.