Jordan employee in court over benefits

A stable-hand has appeared in court accused of falsely claiming benefits for nearly two years while working for Jordan.

Joanne Hillman, 34, began working for the glamour model in around June 2003, but did not inform the benefits office that she had a job, Lewes Crown Court heard.

She faces three charges of dishonestly failing to promptly notify the Department for Work and Pensions and Brighton and Hove City Council of her change of circumstances.

It is alleged that Hillman did not reveal the information because she knew it would affect her entitlement to income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit. She denies the charges.

Prosecutor Daniel Jameson, speaking on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions, said: "Originally her duties involved cleaning out horses and mostly stable work and for that she was paid a wage by Miss Price.

"As time went on, Miss Hillman's duties became more involved. She never notified anybody of this. This went on for 100 weeks and two days."

Hillman, of Brighton, did not respond to letters informing her she had received over-payments and made no comment when interviewed by officials, Jameson said.