Pensioners forced to sell holiday home in Spain

British pensioners claimed more than £30,000 in benefits while secretly owning a second home in Spain.

The couple who received benefits in Britain claiming to be homeless, have been forced to sell the £60,000 villa and pay back the taxpayer.

Peter and Marilyn Flanders from Exmouth, Devon, carried on their deception for two years. During this time they made repeated false declarations about their means to housing and benefit officials.

They claimed housing and council tax benefit and other means-tested allowances which they were not entitled to because of their home in Spain.

They have now been forced to sell the property and have been ordered to repay most of the money or go to jail.

Marilyn Flanders, aged 58, and Peter, aged 62, both of  Exmouth, admitted five offences of false representation or failing to disclose information when they appeared at Exeter Crown Court.

Both received suspended sentences for two years,Marilyn was jailed for nine months and Peter for two months, and both have to obey a curfew for four months.