A FRAUDSTER has admitted dishonestly receiving more than �2,500 of benefits. Robert Dawkins, 57, of East Lane, Gamlingay, pleaded guilty at Cambridge Magistrates Court to two charges of failing to report changes of details. He neglected to inform both So

A FRAUDSTER has admitted dishonestly receiving more than �2,500 of benefits.

Robert Dawkins, 57, of East Lane, Gamlingay, pleaded guilty at Cambridge Magistrates' Court to two charges of failing to report changes of details.

He neglected to inform both South Cambridgeshire District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that he had started work.

Following a joint investigation between the council and the DWP he was found to have been overpaid �1,356.41 in housing and council tax benefit and �1,227.95 in Income Support, which he must now repay in full.

Dawkins was fined �200 and ordered to pay costs of �401.20 as well as a �15 victim surcharge.

Cllr Tony Orgee, district councillor portfolio holder for finance, said: "This is yet another example that we take benefit fraud extremely seriously and that people intent on committing such crimes will be caught and prosecuted.

"We work very closely with our colleagues at the Department for Work and Pensions and other agencies to investigate cases. With the level of information and technology now at our disposal it is only a matter of time before we catch each and every fraudster in South Cambridgeshire.

"Each person caught will be required to repay all the money owed as well as any further fines imposed by the court."

Anyone aware of someone claiming benefit fraudulently can report it in confidence on the Fraud Hotline on 0800 731 1892.