AN Enfield man has pleaded guilty to dishonestly claiming housing and council tax benefit.
Jake Barnard, aged 27, of Gloucester Close, pleaded guilty before Redditch magistrates on March 4.
Mr Barnard dishonestly claimed £2,811.08 between August 2012 and January 2013.
The court heard how he had started work as a warehouse security guard in August 2012 but did not declare this to Redditch Council. An officer called to review his claim in January 2013 and Mr Barnard stated that he had started work in December 2012. The case was then referred for investigation.
Mr Barnard was fined £185, ordered to pay court costs of £85 and to repay the money fraudulently claimed back to the council through a compensation order.
A council spokesman said: "It is important for anyone claiming benefits to promptly and truthfully report changes in their circumstances so they do not get into trouble in the future.”
Anybody wishing to report suspicions of benefit fraud can do so by ringing the investigations team on 01527 534011 or by emailing details to benefitsfraud@redditchbc.gov.uk.
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