A WOMAN appeared before Bury magistrates accused of seven offences of failing to declare her partners private pension when completing her housing benefit claim forms.

Karen Watkinson, aged 46, of St Johns Court, Radcliffe, admitted obtaining more than £6,000 over seven years.

The court was told she was caught after Bury council chiefs carried systematic checks on claimants. The court ruled that she must pay the money back. Watkinson was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered her to pay costs of £200.