A MOTHER of two in a £9,300 benefits fiddle broke the law by not revealing her partner lived with her --but she might have got more cash if she had, a court was told.

Burnley magistrates heard how Trudy Howard, 26, who also got in trouble for not admitting she was working more hours, would probably have been able to claim a carer's allowance as her husband had cancer.

Howard did not know she was doing wrong over her partner but did know she was being dishonest over her working hours.

The defendant, whose address the court has earlier ordered should not be disclosed, admitted failing to notify a change in circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions, between March 2001 and October 2004.

She also pleaded guilty to three allegations of dishonestly making a false statement to obtain benefits, between April and August 2004. She was given 200 hours community punishment and must pay £50 costs.

Sara Lyle, defending, said if Howard had told the DWP her partner was living with her, she probably would have been able to claim more benefits which would not have put stress on her to provide for the family.

She added Howard did not know she was committing a criminal offence by claiming benefits and having her partner living with her. It was a misunderstanding and when she was interviewed by officials she was very upset and tearful.

The defendant had been working a couple of hours and claiming benefits but was then offered extra hours. She took up the opportunity and knew she was breaking the law by not telling the department.

The solicitor added Howard's partner was still living with her and their two children. He still had cancer.

Miss Lyle went on: "This is a lady who will not be before the magistrates' court in the future. She has been very frightened and has not disclosed the situation even to her own parents."