A MAN who claimed more than £12,500 in disability benefits while working as a delivery driver has been spared prison.

Paul Carter, from Orford, fraudulently claimed thousands of pounds in disability living allowance and tax credits over a period of four-and-a-half years.

The 56-year-old, of Poplars Place, worked as a courier while ‘cheating the system and diverting taxpayers’ money from those who really need it’ between October 2011 and March 2016.

On Thursday, January 18, Carter was sentenced to a 12-week community order after admitting two counts of benefit fraud at Warrington Magistrates Court.

He will be subject to an electronically monitored curfew of 4pm to 4am until Wednesday, April 11, and was ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge plus Crown Prosecution Service costs of £85.

Following his sentencing the Department for Work and Pensions released surveillance footage captured during a joint investigation with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, showing Carter loading his van and delivering large boxes to homes.

A DWP spokesman said: “Only a small minority of benefit claimants are dishonest, but cases like this show how we are rooting out the unscrupulous minority who are cheating the system and diverting taxpayers’ money from those who really need it.

“We are determined to find those we suspect of abusing the welfare system by following up on tip-offs, undertaking surveillance and working with local councils.

“If you suspect someone of fraudulently claiming benefits then call our National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440.”