A BOWDON benefit cheat has been convicted.

At Manchester Crown Court on September 4, Anthony Roylance, 66, of Courteney Place, was sentenced for falsely obtaining council tax benefit amounting to £11,949.52.

Mr Roylance had submitted benefit applications to Trafford Council since July 2004 and declared that he and his wife were receiving pensions and had no capital.

But he failed to declare that, in September 2005, he received money into his bank account giving him savings of more than £6,000.

He also failed to declare that, in April 2009, his wife started receiving an occupational pension and that, in October 2010, he also started receiving an occupational pension.

Mr Roylance also failed to declare that two properties were purchased in his name in June 2010 and December 2011.

This resulted in an overpayment of benefits between September 2005 and March 2013.

He was sentenced to a 12 month community order with a requirement to undertake 150 hours unpaid work.

Mr Roylance has repaid all the money obtained as a result of the offences.

Executive councillor for Finance, Patrick Myers, said: "The council is determined that money from the public purse is used to support those people who are eligible for the support.

"This case is another example of how we continue to identify and prosecute those people who make fraudulent claims.

"Again the message is simple, anyone claiming benefits whose circumstances change must notify the council at the earliest opportunity."

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