A BENEFIT cheat who illegally claimed more than £8,000 received a suspended prison sentence this week.

Derek Waller, of Grove Bank, South Oxhey, claimed housing and council tax benefits between October 2002 and February 2005 on the basis that he was single and receiving Income Support.

Waller, 66, failed to tell the authorities that he had married in 2002 and that his wife was in full-time employment, which would have affected his benefit entitlement.

The total amount overpaid was £8,863.49.

Waller pleaded guilty to three offences under the Social Security Administration Act 2002 at Watford Magistrates Court on January 17 and was sentenced on Thursday, February 8, to three months custody for each offence, suspended for 12 months.

Richard Struck, portfolio holder for resources at Three Rivers District Council, said: "This case really brings home the fact that residents receiving benefits absolutely must inform us of any change in their circumstances."

To report benefit fraud call the confidential fraud hotline on 01923 727190, email fraud@threerivers.gov.uk, or complete a benefit fraud referral form online at www.threerivers.gov.uk.