A joint investigation by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Department for Work and Pensions led to the prosecution of Shaun Broadbent, formerly of The Crescent, Bridlington, who dishonestly claimed £3,246.73 in housing and council tax benefit and Job Seekers' Allowance.

Last Thursday, Bridlington Magistrates Court sentenced Broadbent, aged 26, 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.

Council and Department for Work and Pensions fraud investigators discovered both Shaun Broadbent and his partner were in employment and Broadbent pleaded guilty to failing to declare a change in circumstances.

Richard Johnson, sanctions officer, said: "We will not tolerate any form of benefit fraud against East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

"We have a very committed team who, along with other agencies, take benefit fraud very seriously.

"We will not hesitate to take court action against anyone caught cheating the system. This should serve as a warning to others."

n Anyone who suspects benefit fraud in Bridlington should call the 24-hour benefit fraud hotline in confidence on (01482) 394949, Text 07786 200850, or email bfraud@ eastriding.gov.uk, in confidence.

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