AN OXFORDSHIRE county councillor facing charges of falsely claiming council tax benefit has had her case committed to the crown court.

Olive McIntosh-Stedman, the Cowley and Littlemore county councillor, is alleged to have made false claims totalling £3,305.96.

McIntosh-Stedman, 64, of Williamson Way, Rose Hill, Oxford, has opted for trial by jury and yesterday city magistrate Mary Duckworth sent her case to Oxford Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing.

McIntosh-Stedman, who has been granted legal aid, was given unconditional bail until her hearing next month.