A WOMAN who falsely claimed more than £2,000 in housing and council tax benefits has appeared before Bolton magistrates.

The court heard how Barbara Mae Lawton, aged 54, of St Gregorys Close, Farnworth, had twice made statements to obtain the benefits and omitted to mention that she was already claiming child and working tax credits.

She pleaded guilty to both offences.

The court heard how Lawton's offences came to light when council officials carried out an assessment to check she was receiving all the benefits she was entitled to.

The council has calculated that Lawton received £1,665.31 in housing benefit and a further £466.80 in council tax benefit which she was not eligible for.

Julie Wiseman, defending, told magistrates that Lawton had been suffering financial hardship and having problems bringing up her teenage son as well as coping with depression since the death of her partner seven years ago.

"She was not thinking entirely straight when she made these declarations," said Mrs Wiseman.

Magistrates gave Lawton was given a conditional discharge for two years. The court was told that Bolton Council is recovering the money.