A Hereford grandmother broke down in tears after admitting to defrauding more than £5,000 from the Benefits Agency.

Beryl Marion Marshall claimed income support and incapacity payments over a 16-month period, despite being in almost continuous employment, Hereford magistrates heard.

A DSS investigation revealed that Mrs Marshall, of Cagebrook Avenue, Hunderton, had worked for Yum Yum pet foods, in Dixons and as a care worker at a residential home.

Despite this, she had continued to draw benefits from The Oval post office, Newton Farm.

The 55-year-old pleaded guilty to four counts of false representation.

The court was told that life had been 'very difficult' for Mrs Marshall with family bereavements, marital problems and a strained relationship with her daughter.

Because of this she had not been able to see her two grandchildren since they were born and had been prescribed anti-depressants.

"Half the time I did not feel like going to work but I needed the extra money," she told the court.

The magistrates gave an emotional Mrs Marshall a two-year probation order and ordered her to pay £150 in costs, telling her it was to 'help her change her ways'.