A STRETFORD man who pretended to be off work sick for five years to fraudulently claim almost £20,000 in benefits has been convicted of fraud.

Paul Kelly, 55, of Stretford House, has been convicted of dishonestly claiming £19,503.95 in housing benefit, council tax benefit and council tax support from Trafford Council.

He claimed the benefits on the basis he was receiving sick pay from his employer but failed to disclose the fact that he had returned to work in June 2010. This resulted in overpayment of benefits between June 2010 and January 2015.

Having entered a guilty plea earlier at Magistrates Court earlier this month, Kelly was handed a community order, with a requirement to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, and he must pay £686.82 in court costs.

Trafford Council is also recovering the money obtained as a result of Kelly’s offences.

Cllr Patrick Meyers, Trafford Council’s executive member for finance, said: “The message is a simple; if you submit a claim fraudulently or fail to advise us of any changes in your circumstances which results in you receiving money to which you are not entitled, we will find out and prosecute you.”

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