PRESS ASSOCIATION -- A benefits cheat who fraudulently claimed £25,000 in disability payments was caught out after being spotted going swimming on holiday.
Tina Attanasio appeared at Cardiff Crown Court, where she admitted one count of fraud.
A judge heard the 51-year-old, of Hollybush Estate, Whitchurch, Cardiff, dishonestly claimed higher mobility and disability rates between August 2005 and February of last year.
Prosecutor Nick Gedge said the defendant had failed to tell the Department For Work and Pensions (DWP) about a change in her circumstances, pocketing £25,000 she was not entitled to.
Attanasio, who entered the dock clutching a white handbag while on crutches, pleaded guilty before being released on bail.
Judge Stephen Hopkins QC adjourned proceedings until September 16, to give the Probation Service time to carry out a pre-sentence report.
When the case resumes, Judge Hopkins said the court will be shown a series of video clips of Attanasio obtained by undercover officers and including footage of the defendant swimming on holiday.
DWP minister for welfare reform Lord Freud said the case highlighted why the department had a duty to make sure vital benefits - such as disability living allowance - only went to those who needed them.
He added: "Benefit fraud takes money away from the most vulnerable. It is a crime and we are committed to stopping it by catching criminals at the frontline and making sure our reforms make the benefit system less open to abuse."
The plea and case management hearing in Cardiff Crown Court also marked the beginning of a Proceeds Of Crime Act investigation into Attanasio's offences, which is set to be completed early next year.