A man who wrongly received more than £15,000 in benefits alongside his wages has been slapped with a community order.

Nigel Richards, previously of Fellowes Way ,Hildenborough, pleaded guilty to failing to notify Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council that he had started working.

It meant Mr Richards, a 51-year-old father who now lives outside the borough, was overpaid more than £13,400 in housing benefit and £2,100 in council tax benefit.

At Sevenoaks Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Richards was sentenced 200 hours of unpaid work and was also ordered to pay £270 in court costs. The overpayment of benefit also has to be paid back.

Cllr Martin Coffin, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s cabinet member for finance, innovation and property said:“We have said this before and it is only right that those, whose circumstances entitle them to receive help and benefits, get all that they are entitled to.

"However, those who seek to gain more than their entitlement are committing fraud, and the extra costs incurred falls upon the council tax payer.

"The council has a team dedicated to detecting such frauds and we are pleased to record yet another successful prosecution."

Anyone who suspects that someone is fraudulently claiming benefit should contact the Benefit Investigation Section, in confidence, on 01732 876337. Further details can be found at www.tmbc.gov.uk/fraud.