A woman falsely claimed over £2,000 in benefits after failing to declare that she was working as a barmaid.
Amanda Mackay, of Plover Road in Lindley, admitted two charges of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting her entitlement to a benefit.
The 44-year-old made claims for Jobseeker’s Allowance and housing benefit between July 2013 and January this year.
But she failed to inform the Department for Work and Pensions that she was working part-time and then full-time at Lindley Working Men’s Club.
Kirklees magistrates heard that the total amount in benefits overpaid to Mackay was £2,499.
Bob Carr, mitigating, said that his client had no previous convictions and has lost her good character because of what happened.
He told magistrates that Mackay was asked to help out behind the bar at the Brian Street club.
Mr Carr said: “She started out not even officially, doing odd hours behind the bar. They realised she was fairly good and at what she did and they employed her full-time.”
Magistrates were told that during the interim period Mackay claimed benefits and she couldn’t bring herself to inform the relevant agencies when her circumstances changed.
The club reported her to the DWP and the money is now being recovered, Mr Carr said.
He added: “It came as a relief to her when the matter was discovered because she knew it would be.
“These proceedings have caused her a great deal of distress but she can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I don’t think she will every trouble this court again.”
Magistrates fined her £110 and she must also pay £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.
