A FORMER binman who committed more than £23,000 of benefit fraud over 11 years escaped a jail sentence yesterday.

It would take Albert Iceton, 64, of Alexandra Gardens, Shildon, County Durham, more than 56 years to pay back the money he owes to Income Support, at a rate of £35 a month, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Iceton, who worked for Durham County Council until 1984, when he retired due to ill-health, admitted two charges of falsifying accounts.

Christopher Dorman-O'Gowan, prosecuting, told the court that twice during the 1990s Iceton falsely filled in review forms stating that he did not receive a pension from former employment.

But, he said, Iceton did receive a pension, of £347 a month, from his job with the council.

Over the 11 years, Iceton received about £2,250 a month to which he was not entitled.

Iceton has agreed with the Income Support agency to repay the cash at £35 a month.

Stanley Anderson, for Iceton, said his client had suffered from cancer, and had lived alone for 30 years. He was also facing homelessness, as he owed £5,000 Housing Benefit.

Six charges of false representation were also committed to Crown Court for sentence.

Judge Les Spittle said he did not think Iceton was a professional defrauder.

He sentenced him to a three-year community rehabilitation order.