A COUNCIL in north Durham is warning benefit fraudsters that they will face criminal proceedings when they are caught.

Chester-le-Street District Council is cracking down on people who try to defraud the benefits system.

Jayne Henderson, acting director of resources at the council, said: "Over the last two years, we've successfully prosecuted close to 30 fraudsters, and we are currently investigating a number of other cases which we believe will lead to successful prosecutions over the next few months.

"We have also imposed other sanctions to over 60 fraudsters, showing that we take benefit fraud serious and that it will not be tolerated."

The warning comes after the successful prosecution of Lee Simms, 32, of Brantwood, Chester-le-Street, who fraudulently claimed housing and council tax benefit worth almost £19,000.

He pleaded at guilty Consett Magistrate's Court last week.

Simms failed to declare income received from various full time jobs and at one stage was earning in excess of £6,000 per month, but claimed his only income was from his partner's part-time earnings, child benefit and tax credits.

Simms also failed to report two periods of employment for his partner and a period when she was in receipt of maternity allowance.

He was sentenced to 180 hours community service, ordered to pay £200 costs and will have to repay the £18,855.61 he defrauded from the council.

Ms Henderson added: "This prosecution is yet another excellent result for the council as the defendant was punished for defrauding the benefit system.

"The punishment should act as a serious warning to others who think they can take money which is meant for those with a genuine need.

"The benefits team at the council is committed to paying housing and/or council tax benefit to genuine claimants, ensuring they receive the full amount of benefit they are entitled to."

Members of the public suspecting anyone of committing benefit fraud can contact the council's benefit fraud investigators on freephone 0800 0321663, or e-mail: antifraud@chester-le-street.gov.uk.

Alternatively, details of suspected fraud can by sent by text messages, starting with the word 'fraud', to 07786-200-166.