A FORMER student has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with benefit offences.

Lisa Carmella Mazzafiore, 29, of Priory Grange, Darwen, pleaded not guilty to four charges of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances, she was in receipt of student grants and loans, which affected her entitlement to income support and housing benefit.

The court heard there was an alleged overpayment of £10,000 over a two-year period.