MAGISTRATES told a Leyland man that he narrowly escaped prison after fraudulently claiming more than £11,000 of benefits.

Michael Wilson, 43, of Queensway, pleaded guilty at court in Chorley to three offences contrary to the Social Security Administration Act 1992. The court told him that had he not pleaded guilty, but had been found guilty at a trial, he would have risked imprisonment. The case was brought following an investigation by South Ribble Borough Council's benefit inquiry unit working in partnership with the counter fraud investigation service of the Department of Work and Pensions.

Wilson admitted dishonestly obtaining housing and council tax benefit from the council to the sum of £10,564.51 and also £528 of Jobseekers allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions.

Wilson asked for 61 other offences be taken into consideration.

The court heard that following a data matching exercise, it was discovered Mr Wilson had made false declarations to the borough council.

Benefit application forms, submitted over several years for housing and council tax benefit, stated that his wife was unemployed, but informed the council that from March 2003 she had gained employment with Lancashire County Council.

The truth was that she had been employed by the county council since June 1997.

Wilson was sentenced to a Community Rehabilitation Order for 12 months and a Community Service Order for 100 hours and ordered to pay £75 costs. He also had to pay back the money he falsely claimed.

Councillor Mark Alcock, portfolio holder for corporate and support services, said: "This council will not hesitate to take people to court who commit benefit fraud."