A WOMAN has admitted a “very substantial” tax credits fraud.

Tracey Dee carried on claiming tax credits despite getting back with her husband and maintaining a common household.

Dee, 36, pleaded guilty to fraud between March 2012 and January 2015 after appearing at Teesside Crown Court and also dishonestly failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change in circumstances.

Stephen Constantine, mitigating, asked for the case to be adjourned for a pre-sentence report.

He said Dee, who was said to care for a young son with a number of medical problems, had no previous convictions and her benefit claim was originally a genuine one.

Judge Stephen Ashurst said the defendant’s guilty pleas would count in her favour, but all sentencing options were open.

He said: “A very substantial amount of public money came to you dishonestly.”

Dee, of Maldon Road, Middlesbrough, will be sentenced on October 20.