A WOMAN worked shifts of up to 12 hours while claiming disability living allowance, a court heard.

Audrey McDowell was said to have worked 30-hours a week for ten years at the Peterlee care home.

But Durham Crown Court heard that over four years and seven months she also claimed disability living allowance (dla) to which she was not entitled.

The 53-year-old received dla payments at a lower rate for mobility and at a middle rate for care, requiring guidance and supervision when outdoors.

Stuart Graham, prosecuting, said she was overpaid £16,547.75.

Mr Graham said this was despite the fact some of her work at the care home was described as “heavy” with a degree of manual handling of some residents.

The court heard suspicions arose when she had a dla medical review in August 2014.

When questioned, McDowell said she was unable to work up to 12 hours at a time, but the management at the home confirmed some shifts were that length.

Mr Graham said proceeds of crime confiscation proceedings would be launched to see what money could be retrieved.

McDowell, of McGuinness Avenue, Horden, admitted making a false statement to obtain benefit.

Judge Edward Bindloss asked if there was “any prospect” that McDowell could repay the money, to avoid the need for proceeds of crime proceedings.

Chris Baker, for McDowell, said she has been making monthly repayments, since her offending came to light.

“The probation report author states that there is a low risk of re-offending and a low risk of future criminal harm.”

Mr Baker said it could be a case where custody could be avoided, but she would not be in a position to perform unpaid work as she looks after teenage twins with a disability, while still holding down her job.

Judge Bindloss said although the case, “crossed the custody threshold”, he believed there were sufficient mitigating factors to avoid passing a prison sentence, providing she continues to make monthly repayments.

He imposed a community order to include two months’ 9pm - 5am home curfew, but with an eight-day exclusion to allow McDowell to take one of her disabled daughters on a pre-booked holiday.

But Judge Bindloss told her he would not have allowed it, if not for the fact she was taking her disabled daughter.