A 25-YEAR-OLD woman who claimed benefits as a single parent failed to notify the authorities when her partner moved back in.

Blackburn magistrates heard the reunion had been one of convenience and the two were not living as man and wife.

Zoe Louise Arran, of Shorrock Lane, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change of circumstances which affected her entitlement to income support and housing benefit.

She was given a conditional discharge for 18 months.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said as a result of the claims Arran had been overpaid by £2,858.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said the couple had an on-off relationship for a number of years.

Mr Taylor said: “She felt sorry for him when he was struggling for accommodation and allowed him to stop with her.

“They didn’t resume the relationship and he was sleeping in the spare room as he still is.”