A WOMAN continued her claim for universal credit despite no longer having care of her two children.

Blackburn magistrates heard Rebecca Townsend received more than £8,000 she was not entitled to.

Townsend, 24, of Baden Street, Hartlepool, who was living in Darwen at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change in her circumstances.

She was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement. She was fined £120 with a £114 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Graeme Tindall, prosecuting, said the claim had initially been legitimate. He said that when she was interviewed Townsend accepted she had been dishonest.

She also said she had been in an abusive relationship at the time which had some impact on her decision making.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said that when people defraud the benefits agency it undermined public confidence in the welfare system.

“I can see you have no previous convictions and have not offended since,” said District Judge Preston.

“I have also read that as a victim of domestic violence you had very difficult circumstances at the time of this offence.”