A scammer has been told to repay thousands of pounds to her ex-husband after she sold the grave plot they intended to be buried in together without him knowing.

Jillian Keahey, 66, of West Sussex, sold the plot she once shared with her ex-husband William to the council by forging his signature.

On Thursday, May 28, she pleaded guilty to fraud at Redhill Magistrates Court and was ordered to repay £4,250, as well as additional legal costs, to Mr Keahey, who divorced her six years ago.

The couple bought the plot at Sutton Cemetery for around £850 ten years ago, but it has since increased substantially in value.

Mr Keahey, 57, of Fairlands, Sutton, only found out the plot had been sold when his former brother-in-law visited the cemetery and told him that someone was buried in his grave.

He said: "My ex brother-in-law got in touch with me and said I think someone's buried in your plot.

"I couldn't believe it and then I found out that Jillian had forged my signature."

Mr Keahey said: "At court she treated it like it wasn't anything that was at all serious and seemed to think it was all funny.

"Well her face dropped when the judge said that she had to pay me thousands for a new plot.

"It was just unbelievable that she thought that she could get away with it."

Mr Keahey is currently trying to secure a plot close to his previous one in Sutton Cemetery.