A MAN carried on spending hundreds of pounds a month in falsely claimed benefits because he thought he could get away with it.

Adam Davidson, of King Cole Road, in Colchester, said he realised he was incorrectly being paid benefits but decided to keep quiet.

Between May 21, 2012 and November 9, 2012, he falsely claimed £1,499.94 in housing benefit and £379.32 in council tax benefit.

He had initially made a legitimate claim in February 2012, but, in May that year, he began working as a self-employed landscape gardener.

Kirsty Panton, prosecuting on behalf of Colchester Council, said Davidson had admitted in interview to spending the money on petrol, paying off debts and other living costs.

Davidson, who was not represented, said he knew he should not have been receiving the money, but thought notifying the Job Centre he was now working would be enough to stop council tax benefit and housing benefit being paid.

He added: “I didn’t know where it came from at first, and I spent the money.

“But then I realised, and being stupid, I thought I could get away with it.

“But instead I’ve got myself into trouble.”

Magistrates ordered Davidson to repay the money, £1,879.26 in total, and £350 in costs.

Davidson admitted two counts of failing to notify the correct authorities of a change in his circumstances when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday.