A dance studio owner fraudulently claimed cash aimed at supporting businesses affected by the pandemic.
Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court heard how, Keely Johnson was handed a total of £7,572 from Amber Valley Borough Council.
Mrs Johnson left the building in Langley Mill on November 1, 2020 where she had run Dancefit for the previous two years, Derbyshire Live reports.
But on two occasions, in January of this year, the 31-year-old applied for government cash for the property despite no longer being its owner.
A council spokesman said: "Keeley Johnson rented Unit 2, Dean Street, Langley Mill as a dance studio trading as Dancefit from July 1, 2018 to November 1, 2020.
"During the coronavirus pandemic the council administered the local government business coronavirus grants.
"These grants were available to operating businesses with premises that were directly impacted by government mandatory closures under the lockdown restrictions.
"The landlord of the property confirmed that Keeley Johnson vacated the premises on November 1, 2020 with the new tenant taking over the premises on December 1, 2020.
"On January 1, 2021 an online application was submitted by Miss Johnson declaring the premises were still occupied by her and the business was operating. On 4th January 2021 the Council paid by bank transfer the sum of £1,334.00 into the bank account of Keeley Johnson.
"On January 15, 2021 a further online application was made by Keeley Johnson, again, declaring her business was operating from the premises at Dancefit in Langley Mill.
"On January 18, 2021, £6,238 was transferred by bank transfer to Keeley Johnson."
Johnson, of Gladstone Street, Heanor, pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud.
The Magistrates stated when sentencing Johnson that this was a very serious offence that was committed twice and could have easily have been a custodial sentence.
However, due to Miss Johnson being remorseful and the guilty plea she entered, the Magistrates gave her a step down on the sentencing guidelines to a Community Order.
She was handed an 18-month community order with 200 hours unpaid work and was also ordered to pay £425 costs as well as a £95 victim surcharge.
To read all the biggest and best stories first sign up to read our newsletters here.
