A FATHER pocketed nearly £14,000 in disability benefits while running a courier business.

Brian Simpson, 43, failed to declare he had set up the courier service which he ran for eight months.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates yesterday heard the defendant, of Wheatbottom, Crook, received an overpayment of £13,997.

Lee Poppet, prosecuting, said Simpson was entitled to claim benefits from 2008 and on the grounds of ill health received Incapacity Benefits, Disability Living Allowance and Income Support.

However, during an eight-month period from 2013 into 2014, the defendant became a self-trading businessman and opened a bank account as a courier.

When it was brought to the attention of the Department for Work and Pensions, Simpson made full admissions.

Sam Brewster, mitigating, said the defendant had suffered a serious back injury in 2007 and was unable to work.

He said Simpson began working in an attempt to come off benefits but accepted he had been dishonest.

Having pleaded guilty to three counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting entitlement to benefits, Simpson was given a three-year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.