A man from St Ives has pleaded guilty to a £6,300 benefit fraud.

Adam James (26) of Longstone Hill, Carbis Bay, St Ives pleaded guilty to two counts of housing benefit and council tax benefit fraud totalling £6,314.44 after failing to promptly report to Cornwall Council that his earnings had increased.

Mr James was fined £180, plus £20 victim surcharge and was also ordered to pay £100 towards the council’s investigation and legal costs.

The overpaid benefits are being recovered by Cornwall Council separately from the court action.

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