A PENSIONER claimed benefits of more than £7,000 he was not entitled to over a 10 year period, magistrates heard.

The court was told how Arnold Davies, aged 67, from Foxglove Drive in Bury, was caught by a careful data matching exercise carried out by Bury Council and the Department of Works and Pensions.

Davies pleaded guilty to 12 offences of failing to declare receipt of a private pension when completing his Housing and Council Tax Benefit claim forms.

Magistrates at Bury were told how, after being questioned by the council's investigators, he initially denied having a private pension. However, when confronted with the evidence he admitted what he had done.

The court, having taken into account Davies' age, health and the fact that he was repaying the money he wrongfully claimed, gave him a two year conditional discharge. He was also ordered to pay £250 costs.