A man with a gambling problem allowed his bank account to be used for a bogus benefits claim.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard nine claims were made between May 2018 and June 2019 resulting in an overpayment to Dominic Gent of £5,500.

Gent, 31, of Abbot Clough Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to nine charges of retaining a wrongful credit.

He was given a 12-month community order with 150 hours unpaid work with £85 costs.

Rachel Evans, prosecuting, said the claims for universal credit had been made online to the DWP by scammers in the defendant’s name.

“They related to housing costs and child dependency provisions which he had not incurred,” said Miss Evans.

Gareth Price, in mitigation, said there had been many similar cases before the courts as a result of vulnerable individuals being approached and offered the chance to get some easy money.

“His problem at the time was gambling,” said Mr Price.

“He handed over his bank details to a man who said he could help him and that man used the details to generate payments from the DWP.

"The person who made those claims is unlikely to be found and prosecuted.”

Mr Price said his client’s circumstances had improved, adding: “He has a settled address, two young children and he hasn’t gambled for some time.”