A BATCHLEY man was found guilty of benefit fraud by Redditch Magistrates last Wednesday.

Paul Smith, aged 32, of Hewell Road, was prosecuted for failing to declare work at the Abbey Hotel in Redditch while claiming benefits for himself and his partner.

He was given an 18-month community rehabilitation order, which will include 23 sessions on an accredited general offending behaviour programme over 15 weeks.

He was also ordered to pay £50 costs.

After the case, a Redditch Council spokesman reminded people they can report suspected benefit fraud on a hotline number, 534164.