A 70-year-old woman, who had never been to court before, has been convicted of benefit fraud for working as a carer while claiming benefits.

Kathleen Morris pleaded guilty to eight counts of failing to notify a change of circumstance - spanning several years, at Dacorum Magistrates Court on Friday.

Dawn Pearson, prosecuting, said sometimes within days of submitting a claim for housing and council tax benefit, Morris would begin work with The Care Agency.

On the first claim, when Morris was living in Watford, made in October 2001, Morris said she was retired in receipt of state pension, which was correct.

However, a few days later she began working for The Care Agency on a self-employed basis, and failed to inform the relevant agencies.

Over a number of years the same procedure occurred meaning Morris was overpaid just over £2,500 in housing and council tax benefits.

The duty solicitor, acting for Morris, told magistrates her ex partner had put Morris up to the scheme, and that the money had been paid back to Three Rivers District Council by her new husband.

He said Mrs Morris was a lady of previous “impeccable character” who had spent the money on day to day expenses.

Morris, of Oak Green, Abbots Langley, was ordered to pay £715 in fines and costs.