A WOMAN continued to claim benefits despite being in receipt of student grants and loans.

Blackburn magistrates heard as a result of the fraudulent claims Lucy Grundy received an overpayment of £12,018.

Grundy, 28, of Gillibrand Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to four charges involving, employment support allowance, income support and housing benefit. She was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and made subject to a curfew for three months, Sunday to Thursday between 8 pm and 6 am. She was ordered to pay £85 costs.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting. said Grundy submitted claim forms which said she was unemployed and single when she was already in receipt of student grants and loans. Arrangements had already been made for repayment of the money.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had made a serious mistake and accepted she should have made inquiries.

"Because some of the money students receive will have to be paid back people feel they should not impact on the benefits they receive," said Mr Taylor.