A BENEFIT fraudster who fiddled £7,240 while earning more than £32,500 has been ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work.

Paul Ward, 31, was investigated by Selby District Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council and discovered to have failed to declare his self-employed income while receiving housing and council tax benefits.

Ward, formerly of Selby, but now of Woodpark View, Barnsley, was overpaid £750 by East Yorkshire council and £6,390 by the Selby authority, with the investigation carried out by both councils as he moved between addresses, which led to the joint prosecution. He was found guilty by York magistrates of falsely claiming benefits.

He was also given a 12-month community order with £200 costs.

Anybody who suspects benefit fraud can call 01757 292230 and leave an anonymous message.