Easy benefit fraud

A benefits cheat obtained £14,306 between 2003 and 2004 by concealing a £52,000 payout for personal injury while at work. He has repaid £117.

Michael Pardoe from Droitwich first made a legitimate claim for housing and council tax benefits and income support while unemployed. But within two months he got a job with Norwich Union and failed to tell the authorities. Following a serious injury, Pardoe then claimed sick pay but failed to declare the compensation payout, which he hid in his partner's bank account.

Pardoe was sentenced to nine months in jail, suspended for 18 months, with 200 hours of unpaid community work. The recorder was unable to order compensation or court costs because his defence barrister said he had no assets. Pardoe said he kept only £17,000 of his injury payout, giving the rest away to his family. He was shortly starting a job as a lorry driver when he could begin repaying the benefits.

• People convicted of benefit fraud should have to repay twice what they've stolen, and should not be eligible for any further benefits – including tax credits - until they have.