A FORMER Calderstones employee has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with benefit fraud.

Joanna Heys, 43, of New Chapel Street, Blackburn, pleaded not guilty to giving false information about her fitness to work. She was remanded on bail until September 7.

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Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Heys had gone off work sick after an accident at the firm.

“The prosecution alleges almost immediately she started working at a primary school,” said Miss Allan.

“She was being paid while receiving sick pay and temp-orary injury allowance. This was a total overpayment of £10,435 over10 months.”