A York man who admitted claiming benefits that he was not entitled to was fined £100 and ordered to pay compensation and costs totalling almost £1,000 when he appeared before city magistrates.

James Smith (33) of Lindsey Avenue had been claiming housing and council tax benefit since March 2005 on the basis of his low income from Job Seekers Allowance.

In September 2005, City of York Council was contacted by the Housing Benefit Matching Service and informed that Mr Smith was no longer receiving Job Seekers Allowance. As a result of this, an investigation into his claim began. As a result of his fraudulent activity, James Smith was found to have been overpaid £574.56 in housing benefit and £128.81 in council tax benefit.

During the investigation Mr Smith failed to attend an interview under caution on  three separate occasions. As the level of the overpayment was relatively low, he was offered the chance of accepting an administrative penalty instead of being taken to court. However, on three separate occasions he failed to attend the council offices, and, as a result of that, the council was left with no alternative but to prosecute him.

As well as fining Mr Smith £100, magistrates also ordered him to pay the council's costs of £500 and compensation of £459.71.

Max Thomas, audit and fraud manager for the council, said: "Mr Smith failed to co-operate throughout the investigation. However, investigators from the council's fraud team were able to gather the necessary evidence to prove wrongdoing.

"We would encourage anyone who has information about suspected benefit fraud to call the council's fraud hotline on 01904 552935 or email us at benefit.fraud@york.gov.uk."