A 35-YEAR-old mother-of- two continued to claim benefits while holding down two jobs.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Joanne Hadfield was paid more than £6,000 to which she was not entitled over an eight-month period.

And defence solicitor John Greenwood said the offences had been committed because of severe debt which left his client deeply depressed and needing medical treatment.

Hadfield, of Highbank, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change of circumstances and two charges of making a false statement to obtain benefit.

The case was adjourned until June 14 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports after the magistrates indicated they were considering a community punishment order.

Michael Singleton, prosecuting, said that Hadfield had been claiming income support on the basis that her only income was child benefit. In fact, between March and November she was working as a cleaner for Lancashire Cleaning Services and for DJH Motors as a garage operative. The total overpayment was £6,104.

Mr Greenwood said his client had no previous convictions and the offences had been hanging over her since November when she was first interviewed.

"Prior to committing these offences she had got herself into severe debt," said Mr Greenwood.

"She became depressed, suffered panic attacks and had to seek medical assistance. It was a very bad situation for her. She felt she was sinking fast and needed to do something about it."

He said Hadfield was now working as a school welfare assistant and was still struggling to make ends meet.

"Her financial problems haven't gone away and are not likely to, given she will be pursued for the overpayment," added Mr Greenwood.