A WOMAN who posed as a benefits rights worker to try to steal cash from a pensioner appeared before magistrates yesterday.

Ann Varey, 41, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to attempting to obtain £50 by deception at South Durham Magistrates' Court in Newton Aycliffe.

The court heard she visited the home of a man in his 80s in Darlington on June 24 and said she could help him make a benefits claim.

James Thomas, prosecuting, said: "Her opening comment was 'I represent the old folk and I try and get them benefit they are entitled to. If you let me in I'll explain it all to you'."

The pensioner told her he had arthritis and she said if he gave her £50 she could help him claim £400 a week in benefits.

Varey left after the man told her he had 54p in the house.

Mr Thomas said she then went to an elderly neighbour's house but the householder became suspicious and told her to leave. She was arrested by police the next day.

The court heard she had a previous conviction for an incident involving an 83-year-old woman. "On that occasion she had a knife with her," said Mr Thomas.

Trevor Jones, in mitigation, said Varey was desperate at the time of the offence because an abusive relationship had left her virtually homeless. "She did this and she regrets it," he said.

The magistrates declined jurisdiction and Varey was remanded in custody to be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court at a later date.

* The Northern Echo launched its Doorstoppers campaign last year to raise awareness among elderly people about bogus callers. Report suspicious callers to call police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.