A former dairy company worker from Chideock who falsely claimed almost £3,700 in benefits has been given a 12 month conditional discharge.

Nigel Orchard, 41, of Chideock Hill, claimed £3,158.13 in housing benefits and £534.73 in council tax benefits from West Dorset District Council.

He wrongly claimed the benefits between August 13 2012 and January 21 2013.

Orchard failed to declare that his Job Seeker's Allowance had been cancelled on August 9 because he failed to attend a job interview that had been arranged for him.

He also did not tell the district council he had started work at a dairy product company in September 2012. He no longer works at the company.

Orchard pleaded guilty at a hearing at Weymouth magistrates’ court.

Magistrates handed him a 12 month conditional discharge and also required Orchard to repay the full amount taken.

Coun Robert Gould, Leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “Benefit fraud is stealing money from the taxpayer that could be spent on crucial council services.

“This case serves as a warning to anyone claiming benefits that they must report changes in circumstances to the district council immediately.”

The district council works in partnership with Weymouth & Portland Borough Council and Purbeck District Council to proactively combat benefit fraud.