A DIY store employee has been given a suspended jail sentence after a court heard he claimed £21,500 in benefits he was not entitled to.
Martin Speak claimed incapacity benefit while working as a greeter at B&Q for more than five years, from April, 2004, to October, 2009.
Speak, aged 53, of Shady Lane, Bromley Cross, pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change in circumstances.
Bolton Crown Court heard how Speak, who has a number of health problems, had originally claimed the benefit legitimately but then continued to claim it when he got a job.
Recorder Guy Mathieson heard Speak was in dire financial straits, having to live in just one room of his home to save on fuel bills.
He was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for two years and placed on probation for six months.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article