A man from Bosham has been convicted of obtaining more than £10,000 in benefits during a three-year period.

Trevor Lightburn was summonsed to attend Chichester Magistrates Court in July 2009. Two of the charges involved making a false representation to obtain Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, and two were failing to notify a change in circumstances. He pleaded guilty to all four charges and was subsequently sentenced at Worthing Magistrates Court on Monday (28 September).

An investigation by Chichester District Council established that Mr Lightburn failed to declare that his wife was in receipt of student income and wages. The offence started in November 2005, and came to light at the end of 2008.

In total Mr Lightburn claimed £10,212 Housing and Council Tax Benefit to which he was not entitled. Magistrates at Worthing gave him a suspended sentence, eight weeks in custody suspended for 18 months, and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Chichester District Council will be taking steps to ensure that the money overpaid to Mr Lightburn is recovered.

"The benefits system is not to be abused, and we - as a Council - will not rest in our efforts to bring to justice those who commit fraud," said Melva Bateman, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Chichester District Council. "It is a crime that hurts others because the system is meant to be there for those who truly need help in often difficult circumstances. All household income must be declared. If applicants withhold details of how much money is coming into their home, it is against the law and we will take action."

If you suspect anyone of committing benefit fraud you can contact the Council's investigation team on their confidential 24 hour fraud hotline number.