A Maldon man who obtained more than £3,000 in benefits he was not entitled to has been ordered to carry out 80 hours of community service.

Simon Quelch, prosecuting for Maldon District Council, told Chelmsford Magistrates Court that Christopher Oakenfall, 21, of Nightingale Corner, failed to tell the council that he had started work, and continued to claim housing and council tax benefit for a further year.

Mr Oakenfall was also ordered to pay £90 is costs and in making the order the court took into account Mr Oakenfall's remorse and also that he was already making regular repayments to the council.

Published Tuesday October 29, 2002

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