Bridlington benefit thief caught

Shaun Broadbent dishonestly claimed £3,246 in housing and council tax benefit and Job Seekers' Allowance. He and his partner were in employment and Broadbent pleaded guilty to failing to declare a change in circumstances.

Bridlington Magistrates Court sentenced him to a 100-hour community punishment order, and ordered him to pay £400 towards costs. He will also have to repay the benefit he received while claiming fraudulently between February 2008 and October 2008.

• These people do it for the money. So hit them in the pocket. It was money that motivated them, and a financial penalty will help to deter them.
  
  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. A confiscation order should be automatic and immediate.
  
  If you don't punish people who are convicted of an easy crime, the offence will continue to look attractive.