A BENEFITS cheat from Sale received a suspended prison sentence for amassing more than £14,000 that he wasn’t entitled to.

Dong Heon Lee, 48, of Dane Road, Sale, was convicted of dishonestly obtaining Housing and Council Tax Benefit from Trafford Council.

Mr Lee had informed the authority that both he and his wife were self-employed interpreters. However, he had failed to declare their true income to the authority.

This resulted in an overpayment of benefit between April 2010 and November 2012 amounting to £14,021.54.

He was convicted on October 31 at Trafford Magistrates Court and given a 20 week custodial sentence, which was suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to carry out 250 hours unpaid work and instructed to pay Trafford Council £600 towards the cost of the prosecution.

A council spokesman said: “The council is also recovering the monies that were obtained as a result of this offence from Mr Lee.”

Executive Councillor Patrick Myers said: "The Council will not tolerate people fraudulently claiming benefits, money which we want to ensure goes to those people who are legally entitled to it.

“This case once again reinforces the importance of people advising us of changes in their circumstances at the earliest possible opportunity."

If you suspect anyone of benefit fraud contact Trafford Council on 0161 912 2852 or via Freefone number 0800 328 6340.