A man from Redruth has received an 18 month conditional discharge for housing benefit and council tax benefit fraud totalling £1,035.19.

Carl Thomas, 44, of Murdoch Close, Redruth pleaded guilty at Truro Magistrates Court on Friday, April 26, to two counts of benefit fraud, of failing to promptly report that he was in receipt of increased earnings.

Mr Thomas was also ordered to pay £200 contribution towards the council’s investigation and legal costs.

The overpaid benefits are being recovered from Mr Thomas by Cornwall Council separately from this Court action.

Cornwall Council operates a confidential fraud hotline on freephone 0800 7316125.