A Snodland man has been given a one year conditional discharge for benefit fraud.

Kevin Leybourne, of Church Field, pleaded guilty at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday December 2 for failing to notify Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council of a change in his circumstances.

The 36-year-old was overpaid £2,631.45 in housing benefit and £365.89 in council tax benefit after he failed to inform the council of a change in his earnings, the court heard.

Mr Leybourne will have to repay all the money he fraudulently claimed and he is one of 13 people to have been successfully prosecuted by the council for the offence, or similar ones, since April 1 this year.

Cllr Martin Coffin, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property, said: “The Council’s Benefit Investigation team will continue to follow up every lead to ensure that people who defraud the benefit system are caught and brought to justice.

"Benefit fraud will not be tolerated in Tonbridge and Malling and we are pleased to record yet another successful prosecution."

Anyone who suspects that someone they know is fraudulently claiming benefit should contact the Benefit Investigation Section, in confidence, on 01732 876337.

Further details can be found on the Council’s website at www.tmbc.gov.uk.