by Paul Hooper

A former RAF military police officer has been jailed for nine months - for swindling cash from the taxpayer.

Alan Marshall, 65, put in fake claims for housing benefits and pension credits - netting him nearly £70,000.

His seven-year scam allowed him to buy his home in Warwick Road, Cliftonville at a knockdown price of £125,000.

Canterbury Crown Court heard that Marshall - who served in the RAF for 20 years - lied about his wife working for the East Kent Medical Services.

And then he hid the fact he was renting his home from his brother-in-law, said prosecutor Abdul Gufur.

In 2007 he bought his home at a reduced priced but still continued to pretend he was renting.

The court heard he pocketed £37,437 in false housing benefits and £31,215 in pension credits.

Marshall, who pleaded guilty to eight fraud charges, said his wife had no part in his scheme.

Lucy Luttman, defending said: "This was not done to fund an exotic lifestyle but to pay bills and help subsidise his family."

But Judge Simon James said his lies had helped fund a lifestyle to which he was not entitled.

"You are a man who served in the armed forces and as a military police officer.

"Your fall from grace from that to the dock in a crown court has been dramatic. I am sure you and your family feel deep shame."

The judge said defrauding the taxpayer was no different than going into a neighbour's house and stealing £68,000.

"If you did that, people would expect you to be sent to prison. What you did is no less mean, selfish or serious."