A BENEFIT fraudster has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Matthew David Autie, aged 49, of Seworgan, near Constantine, admitted four deception charges when he appeared in Truro Crown Court on Tuesday.

He originally denied the offences and was due to stand trial together with Amber Johns, but the prosecution dropped charges against her during the hearing this week.

Mr Autie changed his plea having earlier denied the offences, pleading guilty to the following:

* Between December 19, 2012 and May 18, 2017, he failed to promptly notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of a change of circumstances.

* On October 3, 2010, he made a statement to the DWP which was false, having failed to declare that he was living as husband and wife with Amber Johns.

* Between October 2, 2010 and April 1, 2013, he failed to notify Cornwall Council of a change of circumstances that would affect his Council Tax benefit.

* Between October 2, 2019 and April 11, 2017, he failed to promptly notify Cornwall Council to a change of circumstances that would affect his housing benefit.

Judge Robert Linford imposed an 18-month jail term suspended for two years on Autie, who was put on a daily curfew via electronic monitoring for four months.

He was also ordered to pay £100 victim surcharge.