A pensioner has narrowly escaped prison time after he defrauded the benefits system of nearly £22,000.
John Peters from Otley, Leeds, pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud.
The 74-year-old had wrongfully obtained housing benefit payments while concealing substantial self-employment earnings and significant savings.
Council investigators uncovered that Peters had received more than £61,000 through his work over several years.
PA | The fraudster stole nearly £22,000 from the British taxpayer
The pensioner failed to notify authorities about changes to his financial situation.
He has now begun repaying Leeds City Council at a rate of £100 monthly.
Peters initially secured housing benefit in 2011 after declaring minimal income and negligible savings.
When authorities requested updated information in 2022, he continued to claim poverty despite his changed circumstances.
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Leeds City Council's investigation revealed Peters had operated a landscaping enterprise between October 2017 and February 2022, generating £61,484 in undisclosed earnings.
Financial records additionally exposed savings exceeding £16,000.
The fraudulent claims resulted in Peters wrongfully receiving £21,951 in housing benefit payments.
His deception spanned several years, while he maintained false declarations about his financial status to the authorities.
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|He was handed a four-month custodial sentence but suspended for twelve months at Leeds Crown Court
The defendant confessed to his wrongdoing when confronted with the evidence.
Defence barrister Eddison Flint told the court: "He accepted his responsibility from the outset. He has owned up from the outset."
Flint emphasised his client's "genuine remorse" and confirmed the monthly repayments were already underway, with Peters seeking to increase the amount.
The court scheduled a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing to address the fraudulent gains.
Recorder Richard Stubbs handed down a four-month custodial sentence but suspended it for twelve months.