A man has been spared jail despite "taking the law into his own hands" to get revenge on a Universal Credit fraudster.
Said Amiri from Blackburn escaped imprisonment after vandalising the luxury car of a fraudster who exploited his bank account for benefit fraud.
Mr Amiri received a community service sentence at Preston Crown Court's Sessions House following his conviction for criminal damage.
The court heard that Mr Amiri scratched fraudster Rafiq Master's Mercedes, inflicting damage worth over £6,200.
Mr Amiri discovered Master had channelled £50,000 in fraudulent Universal Credit claims through his account.
Judge Graham Knowles imposed 80 hours of unpaid work rather than custody, recognising the exceptional circumstances surrounding the incident.
The judge acknowledged that whilst vigilante behaviour cannot be condoned, Mr Master had provided false testimony to authorities about Mr Amiri attempting to intimidate him.
Judge Knowles stated: "You are right when you say you shouldn't take the law into your own hands, but you did.
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The hearing was held at Preston Crown Court
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"I take into account why you did it and that Mr Master had given a lying statement to the police.
"Anyone would understandably be angry, but you should have left it to the courts."
Police were called to the scene after Mr Amiri targeted Mr Master's Mercedes parked outside.
Using a key, he etched deep scratches into the vehicle's bodywork in what the court heard was a spontaneous act of frustration.
The defendant had previously attempted to resolve matters with Mr Master through conversation on multiple occasions.
The court also learned that Mr Amiri supports three children whilst working six days a week.
Defence barrister Georgia Faulke explained her client faced an impossible choice between self-harm and property damage during the incident, given the extreme pressure he experienced.
The fraud got Mr Amiri's details when he needed assistance with insurance registration.
The fraudster claimed £50,000 in Universal Credit
| PAMr Amiri instead has his banking details misused for the benefit scam.
All criminal proceedings against Mr Amiri connected to the fraud have been discontinued.
Judge Knowles determined that Mr Master would not be awarded compensation, anticipating that any damages would be recovered through the fraudster's forthcoming sentencing.
The community order represents the court's recognition of the unique provocations Mr Amiri faced.
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