A CHORLEY man who claimed almost £3,000 in extra benefits has escaped jail.

Paul Bernard Sergeant, 31, of Arley Street, Chorley, claimed the extra cash in housing benefit and council tax benefit from Chorley Borough Council.

He was caught when an anonymous tip off led to the prosecution.

Magistrates considered a custodial sentence.

Chorley Magistrates' Court heard on Wednesday, August 11, that Sergeant claimed benefits as an unemployed single person when in fact he was working full-time and living with his partner who was also in full-time employment.

Sergeant pleaded guilty to two offences of dishonestly failing to report a relevant change in his circumstances.

A spokesman for Chorley Borough Council said: "This successful prosecution again shows how working in conjunction with the public can ensure fraudulent behaviour does not go unpunished.

"This information came to light as a result of an anonymous tip-off from someone who was justifiably outraged by this man's actions.

"Benefit fraud is a serious crime that affects everyone in the community.

"This council is committed to stamping activity of this nature out and we appreciate any help to do that."

Members of the bench gave Sergeant a 12 month community rehabilitation order and ordered him to repay the overpayment and £50 costs.

Chorley Borough Council has recently signed up to the National Benefit Fraud Hotline which provides a free service for people to report suspected cheats.

The number 0800 328 6340 is a dedicated line and employs trained operators to allow people to report fraud in confidence and for free. All information is then passed on to the council's specially trained investigators.