AN Old Trafford man was handed a suspended sentence after falsely claiming more than £10,000 in benefits.


Gurmukh Singh, 52, of St John’s Road, was sentenced a custodial sentence of 10 weeks, suspended for 12 months, at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court, on April 3.


He was also ordered to pay £250 towards prosecution costs.


Mr Singh pleaded guilty to benefit fraud after not reporting he was self-employed between February 28 2005 and May 1 2006.


He was over paid council tax, benefit and income support amounting to £11,597.49 as a result.


Trafford Council and the Department for Work and Pensions are working to recover all the benefits that Mr Singh wrongfully obtained.


Leader of the council, Sean Anstee, said: “Once again this case reinforces the council's determination to clamp down on those making unlawful benefit claims.


“It highlights the importance of people contacting us immediately to report any changes in their circumstances, to ensure they do not continue receiving money they are not entitled to."