A SCHOOL dinner lady and cleaner was overpaid benefits totalling almost £2,000 after her new boyfriend moved in, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Amanda Broome's partner did not contribute towards the household bills or rent and she carried on claiming.

Broome, of Varley Street, Colne, admitted three counts of making a false statement to obtain benefit.

She was given an 18-month conditional discharge and told to pay £75 costs. The defendant had no previous convictions.

Mark Irlam, defending, said Broome was not the normal type of criminal who came before the courts and was extremely frightened. She had lost her good character by her actions.

Boyfriend Lee Smith had moved in with her just before she committed the offences. Broome had not had a partner for seven years was "extremely grateful," for her new relationship.

Mr Smith did not contribute towards household bills or the rent and the defendant carried on claiming benefits.

Mr Irlam said Broome held down two jobs. She was a cleaner at one school and a dinner lady at another. Her employers did not know about her court appearance and if they did, it would have a detrimental effect upon her. She was hard working and had foolishly claimed benefits when she should not have. Broome was sorry for what she had done.

The solicitor added Broome's partner now contributed towards the household bills.