A FORMER steelworker has admitted benefit fraud after he failed to tell his local council he was in receipt of an occupational pension.

Graham George pleaded guilty at Teesside Crown Court to two charges of making a false representation in respect of his entitlement to housing and council tax benefit from Redcar and Cleveland Council.

The 66-year-old, of Cedar Grove, Loftus, east Cleveland, twice failed to disclose that he was receiving a pension from his former employer, British Steel, on November 13, 2003 and July 12, 2006.

Amy Dixon, for George, asked that sentence be adjourned for a report.

Recorder Peter Pimm said that he would get full credit for pleading guilty at the first opportunity, but warned that “all sentencing options will be open”.

He will be sentenced on March 24.