Light sentence for benefit cheat

Munir Ullah from Ashton under Lyne continued to claim benefits after getting £300,000 from the sale of his market stall. He was overpaid more than £6,300 over two-and-a-half years. He was fined £5,000 plus costs of £150. But Tameside council's deputy leader has called for a tougher sentence.

Sometimes with benefit cheat cases, and certainly with a case as serious as this, I feel magistrates ought to consider a custodial sentence or even send it to crown court for a judge to look at.

With all that money in the bank, this person must have known he was not entitled to benefits. He was stealing from the public purse, from people on benefits who genuinely need the money.

People convicted of benefit fraud should have to repay twice the amount, and should not be eligible for further benefits – including tax credits - until they have, using bailiffs if necessary. Benefit fraudsters who don't receive a custodial sentence should have to do unpaid work.