A FORMER Mayor of Clitheroe turned benefits cheat has been ordered to pay back the proceeds of his dishonesty or go to jail.
John McGowan, 54, had earlier been overpaid £13,114.70 in disability living allowance.
The defendant had been making voluntary repayments to the Department for Work and Pensions since January and had £11,882.23 left to pay, Burnley Crown Court heard.
McGowan, of Ribble Way, Clitheroe, admits failing to promptly notify a change in circumstances to the DWP and had been given 36 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, with 80 hours' unpaid work.
Judge Beverley Lunt told the court she found the defendant had benefitted by £13,114.70 and the recoverable figure was £11,882.23.
She ordered McGowan to pay up with 28 days or go to prison for 12 months in default.
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