A 22-YEAR-OLD Darwen woman claimed benefits while working as a care assistant at a residential home, a court was told.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Sharon Green received more than £1,200 she wasn't entitled to.

Green, of Woodvale, pleaded guilty to making false statements or representations to obtain benefit. She was given a conditional discharge for 18 months and ordered to pay £75 costs.

Debbie Hayden-Pawson, prosecuting, said Green had claimed job seekers allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit on the basis that she was unemployed. She was working as a care assistant earning between £42 and £152 a week.

Ian Huggan, defending, said Green had set up home on her own in Darwen and had been struggling financially. He said she accepted making the false claims in an attempt to ease her position.

"She is ashamed of her behaviour," said Mr Huggan. "Initially she only worked one night and was told she could continue to claim but she accepts that as the situation changed she should have ceased claiming."