A MOTHER-of-four admitted swindling more than £300 in social security benefits in two months.

Amanda Parslow, of Wensleydale Drive, in Blackpole, Worcester, began illegally claiming cash from the DHSS after she took a full-time job in February 2002.

She continued submitting false information to the service - claiming she was not earning the income - throughout February and March last year.

And 31-year-old Parslow, who asked for four other similar charges to be taken into account, admitted three counts of making false representation to the DHSS, at Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday.

"At the time of the offences her life was in chaos as she was involved in two abusive relationships and her children were taken into care," said Charles Hamer, defending.

"Since that time there has been a significant improvement in her personal circumstances and she is back in contact with her two eldest children.

"The mitigating factors here are the relatively small amount of money involved - £324.22p - her co-operation with the court and her obvious remorse."

Magistrates imposed a combination order on Parslow, involving 60 hours community punishment, 12 months of community rehabilitation and costs of £75.