Public figures like Olive McIntosh-Stedman and the hundreds of serving councillors across Oxfordshire are in unique positions of trust.

So when one is convicted of a criminal offence, there can be only be one outcome.

Yesterday, the flamboyant 65-year-old county councillor left Oxford Crown Court in disgrace after she was found guilty of dishonestly claiming benefit.

Today, she is still a serving Oxfordshire county councillor representing the people of Cowley and Littlemore.

But for how much longer?

Although her crime may not be the most heinous ever committed, the nub of the matter here is one of public trust and confidence.

Politicians cannot expect to earn and keep our respect when they commit criminal acts.

McIntosh-Stedman's dishonesty led to her receiving more than £3,000 in benefit?

She claimed she "forgot" to declare all her income details.

The jury dismissed her claims and decided that she was guilty of defrauding the taxpayer.

Like most people who swindle benefits, she thought she could get away with it.

The only honourable thing McIntosh-Stedman can do now is to resign from the Labour Party and vacate her council seat immediately.

A political comeback of any sort is now out of the question.

Her conviction should also serve as a warning to the thousands of others who happily commit benefit fraud.

It is right that taxpayers should support the elderly, disabled and others who meet the strict guidelines laid down by Parliament.

But we should not cease to pursue those cheats who claim public money to which they are not entitled.