A York man who claimed more than £2,500 in benefits that he was not entitled to was found guilty when he appeared before city magistrates today.

Adrian Wilkinson (49) of Olympian Court had been claiming housing and council tax benefit since December 2004 on the basis that he received a low income from Job Seekers Allowance.

However, during an investigation into his claims, it was discovered that he had started working for Fisher's Catering in January 2005. Mr Wilkinson had then moved from Fisher's Catering to ID Oils in January 2006, but did not inform the council of this change until April 2006.

As a result of Adrian Wilkinson's fraudulent activity, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) withdrew his entitlement to Job Seekers Allowance for the period during which he was in employment.

Adrian Wilkinson was overpaid £484.68 in council tax benefit and £2,204.67 in housing benefit.

He was given a Conditional Discharge and the council was awarded £2689.35 in compensation and £500 in costs.

Max Thomas, audit and fraud manager for the council, said: "This case is a reminder to anyone committing benefit fraud that we will catch up with them and that the consequences are serious indeed."

If anyone has information they would like to pass onto the council they may do so in confidence by calling the fraud hotline 01904 552935 or send an e-mail to benefit.fraud@york.gov.uk