The mother moved out of her flat in Siena House in February but continued to claim she lived there whilst her son and his friends really occupied the property.

Sovereign Housing Association, who let the St Catherine's Close flat to her, approached the courts to begin eviction proceedings.

The fraud came to light when the housing association investigated antisocial behaviour complaints.

Sue Rilley, Berkshire Housing Officer discovered the fraud when she went on a housing visit. She said: “I found out that the resident had moved out but was spotted moving her belongings back into the flat before I arrived.

“After a detailed investigation into the resident and her property, it became clear that her son and his male friends were the only ones living in the flat. So in October 2014 I started putting together our case to take to court.” When the fraudster discovered legal proceedings were under way she admitted she no longer lived in the flat and voluntarily ended her tenancy on February 22.

Matthew Hensby, Sovereign's Regional Housing Manager, said: "It's important for us to investigate any reports of unlawful occupation to make sure our homes are being lived in by those in most need.

“Unlawful occupation can take many forms, including having more than one property, sub-letting and even lying about your circumstances or identity to obtain a social housing property. Reclaiming these properties allows us to re-house those families and individuals who really need a home.” The mother moved out of her flat in Siena House in February but continued to claim she lived there whilst her son and his friends really occupied the property.

Sovereign Housing Association, who let the St Catherine's Close flat to her, approached the courts to begin eviction proceedings.

The fraud came to light when the housing association investigated antisocial behaviour complaints.

Sue Rilley, Berkshire Housing Officer discovered the fraud when she went on a housing visit. She said: “I found out that the resident had moved out but was spotted moving her belongings back into the flat before I arrived.

“After a detailed investigation into the resident and her property, it became clear that her son and his male friends were the only ones living in the flat. So in October 2014 I started putting together our case to take to court.” When the fraudster discovered legal proceedings were under way she admitted she no longer lived in the flat and voluntarily ended her tenancy on February 22.

Matthew Hensby, Sovereign's Regional Housing Manager, said: "It's important for us to investigate any reports of unlawful occupation to make sure our homes are being lived in by those in most need.

“Unlawful occupation can take many forms, including having more than one property, sub-letting and even lying about your circumstances or identity to obtain a social housing property. Reclaiming these properties allows us to re-house those families and individuals who really need a home.”