A BENEFIT cheat has been given a suspended prison sentence after admitting fraudulently claiming more than £20,000.

Norman Harris, 51, from Belvedere Road in Newton-le-Willows was given a 16 week jail term suspended for 12 months and placed under curfew for six weeks from 7pm to 7am at his home address. 

Harris, who faced a total of ten charges, must pay back the full overpayment of £20,767 along with £160 in court costs. 

He was found guilty of failing to tell the authorities about his true circumstances when claiming Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit.

If you want to report benefit fraud call the dedicated hotline on 0800 953 0217 or email benefitfraud@sthelens.gov.uk