ALERT council staff in Bury caught Tanvir Ashgar before he had a chance to benefit from his fraudulent claim.

Bury magistrates heard how Ashgar from Manchester Road in the town initially submitted two Housing Benefit claim forms and a rent book in order to receive assistance with the rent he said he was having to pay at the property.

However, when investigation officers carried out a check on the house they discovered that rather than renting, Ashgar actually owned it.

He failed to turn up for an interview under caution with housing benefits staff and did not appear at the magistrates court when a summons was initially issued.

Eventually, after a warrant was issued for his arrest, Ashgar gave himself up to police.

The defendant appeared before court and pleaded guilty to providing false details in order to claim Housing and Council Tax Benefit.

He was fined £75 and ordered to pay costs of £120.