A 27-YEAR-OLD Great Harwood woman claimed more that £2,500 in benefits she was not entitled to.

But defence solicitor John Dewhurst told Blackburn magistrates that had Lindsay Crotty claimed financial assistance through another Government department she would have received almost an identical amount.

"She is only here, in my submission, because of the failure of two Government departments to talk to each other," said Mr Dewhurst.

However, the chairman said the courts do not view benefit fraud kindly. "When you sign that form it is a solemn declaration and to sign for something that is incorrect is fraud," she said.

Crotty, of Prospect Street, pleaded guilty to making false statements to obtain income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit. She was fined £150 with £50 costs.

Mike Singleton, prosecuting, said Smith claimed as a single parent with no source of income when she worked as a caterer and general operative earning up to £131 per fortnight. She was also co-habiting with a man who had part-time employment and in total was overpaid £2,524.