1:35pm Friday 19th March 2010
© Press Association 2011
The mother of murdered Scarlett Keeling has admitted benefit fraud, on the day two men went on trial over her daughter's death in Goa.
Fiona MacKeown, 44, of West Lodge, near Meddon, Devon, pleaded guilty to falsely claiming £19,000 income support between February 2005 and March 2008.
The case was adjourned until a date to be fixed for sentencing at Exeter Crown Court.
The court heard that MacKeown, who appeared in court in a black cardigan and blue jeans, was originally accused of falsely claiming more than £50,000 income support.
But she pleaded guilty to one count of obtaining money transfers by deception on the basis that she falsely claimed £19,000 worth of income support.
MacKeown filed the claim on October 15, 2005, the court heard.
Defending, David Sapiecha asked for the case to be adjourned to a date to be fixed as MacKeown will have to attend the trial of her daughter's alleged killers in India.
Judge Graham Cottle told MacKeown she faced a possible custodial sentence, and adjourned the case to a date to be fixed after April 16.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/trade_directory/