THE mother of murdered North Devon teenager Scarlett Keeling has appeared in court accused of benefit fraud.

Fiona MacKeown, of West Lodge, near Meddon, is accused of falsely obtaining £51,401.49 in benefits.

The charge covers a period from February 7 2005 and March 10 2008.

The prosecution allege that MacKeown, 44, failed to declare receiving income of £350 a month in voluntary maintenance payments.

MacKeown, who wore a green jumper and jeans, spoke only to confirm her name and address and to say she was not entering a plea.

Magistrates ruled that the case should be heard by the crown court in Exeter.

MacKeown was released on unconditional bail.

A committal hearing will take place at North Devon Magistrates' Court on January 28.

MacKeown's daughter Scarlett, 15, was found dead on a beach in Goa in February 2008. She had been drugged, raped and killed while on holiday.

Scarlett had been left in the care of friends while her mother and other members of the rest of the family travelled south along the Indian coast.

Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with the teenager's death.