REALITY TV star Kerry Katona’s benefits cheat mother, from Warrington, had £46,000 in the bank, despite claiming she had no income, a court has heard.

Susan Katona, 48, claimed income support for nearly 13 years from November, 1994. The former Atomic Kitten singer’s mother also claimed Council Tax allowance for her home in Dickenson Street.

Katona, who admitted wrongly claiming the money, was overpaid a total of £6,393, said Mark Lever, prosecuting before magistrates in Runcorn.

He said: "Her bank statements show capital at its greatest in excess of £46,000. Mrs Katona failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions and local authority, and received benefits to which she was not entitled."

Katona accrued her money through publishing deals, gifts from her daughter and from Kerry’s autobiography.

Katona’s solicitor, John Morris, told district judge Bridget Knight his client had repaid £770 council tax and £1,000 of income support. The remainder was being paid off at £8 a week.

The hearing had been adjourned from June so reports could be compiled into Katona’s agoraphobia, fear of open spaces, but a report from her GP stated he could not diagnose the condition, though Katona displayed symptoms of social phobia.

Mrs Knight ordered that an up-to-date medical report be drawn up for the next hearing on August 4.