A FRAUDSTER was caught out after claiming more than £40,000 in benefits he wasn't entitled to.

Kevin Williams, of Cefn Road in Wrexham appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday for sentence.

The 56-year-old admitted that between 2011 and 2015, he claimed various benefits that he wasn't entitled to.

Rhian Jackson, prosecuting, told the court those included universal credit, housing benefit and jobseeker's allowance - the total overpaid to him coming to some £43,978.

The court heard it appeared initially he had made the claim for benefits legitimately.

But he then found employment and hadn't notified the authorities - continuing to accept the benefits into a different bank account to his wages.

His crimes had come to light after evidence emerged suggesting he'd been submitting self-assessment tax forms.

During the years of his offending, he'd been sent various letters informing him he needed to report any changes in his circumstances.

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When interviewed and asked why he hadn't done so, he claimed he "couldn't afford to."

Emma Simoes, defending, told the court that while it was conceded that there were months when he was working and earning "considerable amounts of money," there were others when he wasn't earning as much and would have had an underlying entitlement to the money.

She continued: "He made full admissions and didn't make any excuses at all for his behaviour.

"He is a full-time carer for his mum and has been repaying the money."

District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant: "It's clear that the main aggravating feature in relation to this matter is the fact the fraud goes back over a significant period of time.

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The Leader:

"A pattern of failing to be honest and open with the DWP has occurred and over that time you have attained a significant amount of money from public funds.

"It is not suggested you were living a lavish lifestyle, but you were obviously living a good lifestyle."

He concluded that only a custodial sentence could be justified - handing down a total jail term of 48 weeks, but suspending it for a year.

Williams must carry out 220 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £85, as well as a £115 victim surcharge.