A WOMAN kept monthly pension payments sent to her widowed mother for eight years after her death.

Linda Cookson, 54, of Cambridge Avenue, Donwell, Washington, Wearside, failed to notify the Railway Pensions Board, in Darlington, of her mother's death in March1994, until a letter in 2002 asked her to confirm that payments should still be made.

Durham Crown Court heard that she then admitted what she had been doing.

Payments were made to her mother, Doris, because she was the widow of a former railway worker who had died some years earlier.

The court heard that Cookson had a previous similar conviction relating to her mother's council pension, which she continued cashing for six years after her death.

David Callan, prosecuting, said: "That offence came to light in 2000. What police did not know at the time was that Linda Cookson was also cashing cheques from another of Doris Cookson's pensions, this one from the Railway Pensions Board.

"Over the years, she was paid £8,927 by the railway to which she was not entitled, although the pension board put its losses at more than £11,000 when lost interest is taken into account."

Jamie Adams said in mitigation that Cookson was beside herself with remorse and shame and had suffered major health problems.

He said: "She is basically a worthwhile human being who has had more than her fair share of difficulties."

Mr Adams said that, with her daughter's help, Cookson was compensating both funds.

He said the railway board had offered not to prosecute had she been able to repay an initial lump sum of £3,000.

Cookson admitted theft and was sentenced to a two-year community rehabilitation order.

The Recorder, Christopher Attwooll, told her: "You've been very foolish."