A COURT today heard how a pub held a charity event to raise money for an employee who falsely claimed her daughter had died from leukaemia.

Katie Wolff, aged 20, of Claremont Close, Orpington, initially told her employers at the George and Dragon in Downe High Street she was unable to come to work as her daughter had broken her leg.

Bromley Magistrates’ Court was told she later returned to work and said her daughter had been diagnosed with leukaemia.

Prosecutor Ann Abel said: “She looked devastated and people at the pub supported her.

“She said her daughter had managed to get a bone marrow donor and was going to get a transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital.”

The court heard Wolff also told her employers her flat had been burgled and “completely cleared out”.

Ms Abel said: “She then broke the news her daughter had died which upset all the staff and customers.

“As a result a charity event was organised and the proceeds given to her for funeral arrangements.”

Magistrates were told two customers at the pub had their beards shaved off especially to help raise money.

The court heard Wolff then told her employers her daughter’s headstone had been vandalised.

This aroused the pub landlord’s suspicion as a headstone would not have been put up so soon after the funeral.

It then emerged Wolff never had a child in the first place.

Wolff today pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud by false representation to the value of £558.

Ms Abel said: “During interview she said she had money troubles and the story spiralled out of control.

“She needed money and accepted the proceeds of the charity event. She said she was given £140 not £558.”

Sentencing was adjourned until Friday for psychiatric reports.

Wolff was given conditional bail.