A FRAUDSTER who continued to claim benefits despite getting a well-paid, full-time job appeared before Hinckley magistrates.

Jason Ridley (40) of Home Farm Close, Witherley, continued claiming £1,632.43 in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit based upon unemployment for three months after returning to work.

The court was told that Ridley had ignored the investigation officer’s attempts to interview him about his work. When asked why he hadn’t attended his appointments, Ridley admitted he had not been opening any of his letters because he was depressed.

Ridley was ordered to repay all of the money he stole from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and was given a six month conditional discharge by the magistrates.

Speaking after the case Claire Webber, the council’s Strategic Investigation Manager, said: “There is no excuse for stealing from the benefit system. The Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit schemes are in place to help people who need extra assistance and are not there for the greedy.

“The Borough Council investigators are there to ensure that cases of benefit fraud are investigated promptly and effectively. If anyone has suspicions about benefit fraud being committed, they should call our hotline on 01455 255683 for a confidential talk with our officers, or alternatively, they can provide details via our website www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk. All referrals received are dealt with in strict confidence.”