Garforth, of Millgate, Selby, pleaded guilty to one charge of making a false statement to Selby District Council after he supplied a false tenancy agreement to support his claim for Housing Benefit.

Appearing at Selby Magistrates Court yesterday, Philip Garforth, 26, was ordered to undertake 100 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £200.

The resulting overpayment of £4,138.55 will now be recovered by Selby District Council.

A council spokesman said, "Anyone who suspects benefit fraud can report it to the Council either online or by calling the Benefit Fraud hotline on 01757 292230."