Shirebrook benefits cheat spared jail after guilty plea

50-year-old Tommy Oakton, of Vale Drive, pleaded guilty to falsely claiming £6,000 worth of Council Tax Benefit and allowing his partner to falsely claim over £5,000 in Employment Support Allowance.

North East Derbyshire and Dales Magistrates Court gave him a 12-month suspended prison sentence on the basis that he completes 100 hours of community service.

Oakton, who had repaid the Council Tax before he appeared in court on June 3, was also ordered to repay the Employment Support Allowance plus £180 in fees.

The court heard him admit to purposely not declaring his savings, which were much higher than the £16,000 upper capital limit. His partner was also unaware of the savings.

The case, dating back to 2000, was investigated by Bolsover District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

They are encouraging anyone to get in touch if they suspect someone is committing benefit fraud.