A MAN who falsely claimed £5,202.11 in benefits while working has been sentenced to community punishment.

Stephen Lloyd, aged 26, of Bramshill Close, Gorse Covert admitted benefit fraud at Warrington Magistrates' Court last Tuesday, August 22.

Lloyd claimed the benefits when he was in full time employment.

Lloyd was also ordered to pay £75 costs and repay the money.

Adrian Webster, the council's benefits manager, said: "Benefit cheats must realise that they cannot abuse the benefit system and steal from the rest of society. They are not just defrauding the Government, but their own tax paying neighbours and communities in Warrington."

People in Warrington can give information about alleged fraudsters free and in confidence on the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854440.