A MAN who dishonestly claimed more than £12,000 in benefits has been given a suspended jail sentence.
Michael Tobin, 49, from Fairclough Road, Old Eccleston claimed job seekers allowance but did not reveal to the authorities that his “lodger” was actually his civil partner, who was employed.
He pleaded guilty to two fraud offences and was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for a year.
He was also placed under a curfew for three months.
At a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court the judge Recorder Angus Withington said that his electronically monitored curfew will not apply on Fridays and Saturdays to allow him to continue his work as a hotel night porter.
He was also ordered to pay a £80 victim surcharge.
The court heard that the offences took place between 2009 and 2012.
David Watson defending said that Tobin, who has health problems, has repaid the money apart from a small amount which is under dispute.
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