Pennine magistrates were told how surveillance was carried out on Rebecca Hardingham's home by the Department for Work and Pensions, who discovered her partner was living with her.

Mr Richard Taylor (prosecuting for the DWP) told the hearing the defendant's claim had been fraudulent from the start. She did not disclose she was married and got the cash in income support, housing and council tax benefits for herself and the two dependent children.

Hardingham, of Belgrave Road, Colne, admitted three counts of fraud by failing to disclose information, between May, 2007 and December last year. She had no previous convictions. Hardingham was given a 12- month community order, with 100 hours unpaid work and must pay £75 costs.

Mr Bill Berry (for Hardingham) said she did not accept her claim was a fraud from the start. She married her husband in March, 2007, discovered he was using heroin and they separated. Mr Hardingham went to stay with friends, returned on occasions and they later reconciled.

Mr Hardingham did not move back in but the pair spent a great deal of time together. The defendant accepted she should have disclosed the reconciliation and periods of co-habitation.

Mr Berry said while Mr Hardingham was living with the defendent, he did not gave her any money. He spent the money he had on drugs. He then began to address his drug issues, had undergone a methadone programme and started a business.

It had been a difficult time for the defendant. The solicitor told the Bench: "This is a case where you don't need to impose an immediate custodial sentence. This is a young lady who is unlikely ever to appear before you again. This is a one-off."