A WOMAN who failed to tell the Benefits Agency she was living with a man claimed they were not in a sexual relationship.

Blackburn magistrates heard Ellen Willoughby denied they were living as a couple.

But the court was told investigators confirmed the man had her address as his address and was seen leaving the house on numerous occasions early in the morning.

Willoughby, 56, of Greenside Avenue, Blackburn, was convicted after a trial of dishonestly failing to reveal information which affected her benefits entitlement. She was made subject to a community order with a six-months alcohol treatment requirement, made subject to a curfew between 7pm and 7am for 16 weeks and ordered to pay £300 costs.

District Judge James Clarke said there had been a sharing of bills and they were effectively sharing a household.

“The other details of your relationship were not particularly relevant,” said District Judge Clark.

Michael Church-Taylor, prosecuting, said over three years Willoughby had been paid £18,000 in benefits she wasn’t entitled to. “It was accepted she should have declared the relationship,” said Mr Church-Taylor.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said arrangements had been made to repay the money.

“She is not claiming benefits at the moment and is living with the gentleman concerned and is reliant on him,” said Mr Taylor.