A MAN who claimed jobseekers allowance while he had more than the permitted level of savings has been given a two-year conditional discharge.

Graduate Christopher Rae, 26, who is now working in a psychiatric hospital, received £2,750, Durham Crown Court was told.

While unemployed, he declared a bank account containing £80, well below the £2,500 limit for benefit, but did not reveal that he had between £12,000 and £15,000 in another account, said Stephen Grattage, prosecuting.

Rae, of Rowley Drive, Ushaw Moor, admitted five charges of failing to notify the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) of changes in his circumstances.

Stuart Graham, mitigating, said his client tried unsuccessfully to have the proceedings stayed as an abuse of process because he had been promised he would not be prosecuted.

He added that Rae, of previous good character, repaid the benefit he received within six weeks.

The money that put him over the limit was "bereavement money'', he added.

Recorder Simon Bourne-Arton told Rae said there was no suggestion that he might go to jail.

He said: "You are now in meaningful and good employment.

"You are a man of obvious talent, you are well educated and you are carrying out a public service in that you are working in a psychiatric hospital.'' Rae was ordered to pay £500 towards the DWP's claimed prosecution costs of £1,000. He was given six months in which to pay.