A dad of two claimed more than £1,000 in Jobseeker's Allowance without revealing he was working as a labourer, a court heard.

Richard Whalley, of Hawkins Way, Wootton, near Abingdon, admitted two charges of making false representations to obtain benefit when he appeared before Abingdon magistrates yesterday (Thurs, Oct 22).

The court heard that the 37-year-old had falsely declared he had not worked when making a benefits claim on both August 18 and September 29 last year.

He also admitted six similar offences, which were taken into consideration.

Vicki Evans, prosecuting on behalf of the Department of Social Security (DSS), told the court Whalley had started claiming Jobseeker's Allowance legitimately in July 1997 but then continued to say he was not working despite starting a job as a labourer. However, she added that the defendant had continued to declare he was not working despite subsequently starting work as a labourer.

Miss Evans said the defendant had been overpaid £1,152.23 in benefits during 13 weeks and five days as a result.

Whalley told magistrates: "I am guilty, I have done the crime." Basically, I wanted a job, but none at the time were paying the money I was looking for, so I went to the agency and they gave me a few hours work here and there."

He said the Jobseeker's Allowance had been spent on household bills.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until November 19 for pre-sentence reports can be compiled.

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