Benefit cheat had pounds 32k in the bank; DRIVER WAS PAID pounds 7,000.

Byline: By LINDA RICHARDS

A BENEFIT cheat said he had no money - but was actually sitting pretty with pounds 32,000 in the bank.

Nick Matthewson failed to declare an inheritance from his mother, a court was told.

As a result he was overpaid almost pounds 7,000 benefit.

Matthewson, of Inskip Terrace, Deckham, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to failing to notify a chance of circumstances and was given a 12-month community order.

He must do 80 hours' unpaid work and pay pounds 75 costs.

Department of Works and Pensions prosecutor Michael Baker said the 48-year-old claimed Job Seekers Allowance and Income Support on various dates between April 2004 and October 2007, and was paid on the basis he had pounds 4,000 in savings.

But, he said, it came to light that he had pounds 32,000 in three Barclays accounts.

Mr Baker said: "During his first interview he was asked about his savings and he said 'that is personal'.

"He was shown his bank account details and was asked what he thought would have happened to his benefit if he declared these details.

"He said he didn't know but said it might have got reduced."

Mr Baker said Matthewson claimed he didn't understand the forms and was not sure what to declare.

Defending, Peter Farrier said Matthewson, who is of previous good character, had inherited the money in bonds.

"He has lost his good name as a result of this," he said. "He has been very, very foolish.

"I asked him why he did it. He said, 'I have paid taxes all my life. I don't see why I should not be entitled to these benefits'."

The self-employed delivery driver has since repaid pounds 2,000 of the money, Gateshead magistrates heard.