A GRANNY who claimed benefits for five years while stashing £172,000 in her bank account may be forced to pay back £10,000 in legal aid.

Gail Doran, 53, from Sadlers Park, London Road, Bowers Gifford, was funded by taxpayers via the Legal Service Commission during three years of court and planning battles with Basildon Council, to stay at the illegally-built site.

The traveller grandmother-of-10 eventually won permission at the High Court to remain with her extended family on three mobile home plots.

Last week, the Echo revealed she received a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, at Basildon Crown Court after admitting falsely claiming around £16,000 in income support and council tax benefits.

After the revelation we asked the Legal Service Commission if it had funded her case and it responded by saying it intended to claw back the cash.

Spokeswoman Sarah Regan said: "Gail Doran was granted legal aid in January 2003 to defend a challenge from Basildon Council against a public inquiry decision in her favour.

"The final bill, of just under £10,000, was paid in October 2006.

"Following Mrs Doran's conviction for benefit fraud, we will be seeking to recoup from her the legal aid spent on her case.

"Recovery of costs ensures we make the best use of the taxpayers' money provided to us and ensures legal aid is focused on those who need it most."

Doran also faces a confiscation hearing next month when the Department for Work and Pensions and Basildon Council hopes to seize some of her assets, such as cash or property.

Doran was unavailable for comment.