A mechanic has been given a conditional discharge and told to repay more than £8,000 in falsely claimed benefits.
Michael Wheeldon, 42, of Gloucester Street, Faringdon, failed to notify the Vale of White Horse District Council of a change in circumstances when he moved and found a job as a motorcycle mechanic.
Wheeldon, who was unemployed when living with his partner in Bourton, near Shrivenham, claimed housing and council tax benefits totalling £8,760.94.
He moved to Faringdon in January 2007 and continued to claim benefits, despite finding work, until July 2008.
He was caught after a council tax notification was sent to his previous address and the new occupants informed the Vale of the White Horse District Council.
He appeared at Didcot Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where magistrates handed him a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay back the money plus £200 costs.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here