A MAN who committed benefit fraud has been handed a community service order.

Worcester magistrates heard how Jason Smith, who now lives in Clifton Thorpe, Smisby Road, Ashby-de-le-Zouch, Leicestershire, claimed jobseeker’s allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit in relation to a property he rented in Swan’s Reach, Swan Lane, Evesham from November 2009 until January this year.

Wychavon District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions found Smith, aged 27, failed to declare he was working full-time from May to October 2011.

He was also living with his partner, who was also working, at the same address from March 2011.

Smith admitted he had worked and was living with his partner until his claims ended in January 2012. He has since married his partner and has moved to Leicestershire.

Smith, who pleaded guilty to all charges, received overpayments of £703.93 in jobseeker’s allowance and a total of £5,263.70 in housing benefit and council tax benefit.

He was given a 10-week curfew from 7pm to 7am and will be electronically tagged. He was ordered to repay all the benefits to which he was not entitled and £100 costs.