A FATHER of two has pleaded guilty to claiming more than £4,800 in benefits that he was not entitled to.

Michel Nurek, 35, had legitimately claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit at his previous address in Railway Street, Chorley, on the basis that his wife was not in work.

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However, Preston magistrates were told he delayed telling Chorley Council that his wife had started work and also that his own earnings had increased.

Councillor Graham Dunn, who oversees benefit payments for Chorley Council, said: “This case came to light when Mr Nurek reported his change of address.

He also notified the council that his wife had started work.

“Enquiries were made and it was found that his wife had been working for over 12 months.

“Mr Nurek was interviewed under caution, and that’s when the changes to his own income came to light.”“This case demonstrates the importance of reporting changes in circumstances promptly.”

People claiming benefits must let us know when there are any changes in their circumstances.”

Nurek, of Pilling Lane, Chorley, was sentenced to 18 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay £200 costs and £15 victim surcharge. Action is now being taken to recover the overpaid benefit in full.