A SALE man has received a suspended sentence after being convicted of fraudulently claiming £34,253.68 in benefits.

John Davies, 67, of Woodhouse Lane, dishonestly obtained council tax benefit from Trafford Council and pension credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

He failed to inform the council and DWP that he was receiving an occupational pension and had capital over the prescribed limits.

This resulted in Davies being overpaid benefit between September 2009 and December 2013.

Davies entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months at Manchester Magistrates Court on Wednesday November 11.

He must also pay £165 in court costs and repay all of the benefits he wrongly obtained to the council and DWP. Cllr Patrick Myers, executive councillor for finance, said: “Trafford Council is committed to working with other agencies to make sure that benefits are paid to those who are entitled to them.

“This case is another example of why it is vital that people make sure they advise us of all their income and savings when making a claim, so they avoid the risk of being overpaid benefit which could result in them being prosecuted.

“Equally it is important benefit claimants advise us immediately of any change in their personal circumstances, so that we can reassess the level of benefit they receive to make sure we continue to pay them the amount of benefit they are entitled to.”

If you suspect anyone of benefit fraud, contact Trafford Council on 0161 912 2852.