A BENEFITS cheat who stole more than £10,000 will pay back the money - from other benefits he is entitled to.

Carl Gosney, of Thurston Close, Great Sankey, falsely claimed £10,688 in housing benefit, council tax benefit, and council tax support.

Warrington Magistrates Court heard last Wednesday how Gosney started a legitimate claim in September 2008 when he lived on his own.

However, five months later his wife moved back into the property following a separation.

Gosney claimed it was due to health problems, and that they had not got back together.

The court heard they never divorced and his wife slept at the address, but the single person claims continued until November 2013.

The defendant, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to two counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change in circumstances, and one count of failing to give notice of change affecting entitlement.

Gosney was given an eight week electronic curfew to run from 7pm to 7am.

He will pay back the money, although it will be taken from benefits he is entitled to due to poor health.