A Brentwood man has been prosecuted for illegally claiming benefits from the Council.

David Bridgeman, 73, of Warley Hill, was overpaid more than £10,000 in Housing Benefit after failing to tell Brentwood Borough Council that he had commenced employment.

The overpayment of £10,801.26 was from 7 May 2012 to 9 November 2014.

On Friday 15 May 2015 he pleaded guilty at Basildon Magistrates' Court. He was sentenced to: pay a £500 fine; costs of £200; a victim surcharge of £50; and must pay back the overpayment in full.

Brentwood Borough Council's Head of Customer Services, Steve Summers, said: "We are keen to help and support those in genuine need. However, anyone who makes fraudulent claims and receives money they are not entitled to will be prosecuted and will have to pay the money back.”