A BURNLEY grandmother, said to have made false statements to get £2,000 in benefits despite allegedly having £200,000 in savings, will face trial.
Kathleen Barker, 72, yesterday pleaded not guilty to five counts of making false statements to obtain council tax benefits.
The grandmother of two, of Coal Clough Lane, will now stand trial later this year accused of the offences.
Yesterday, the short hearing at Reedley Magistrates Court was told that Mrs Barker made five statements to Burnley Borough Council to receive help with paying her council tax.
After entering her plea Mrs Barker opted to be tried by magistrates rather then being sent to crown court
The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 1999 and 2002.
Burnley Council, which is prosecuting the pensioner, said Mrs Barker was overpaid by £2,784 in council tax rebates, money she has since paid back to the council.
The case was adjourned until March for a case management hearing when a trial date could be set.
Mrs Barker was granted unconditional bail.
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