A FORMER prison psychologist has been suspended by the British Psychological Society after being convicted of housing benefit fraud.

Matthew William Fowler, 27, of Merlin Close, Heapey, Chorley, was convicted at Preston Crown Court in June 2003 and dismissed from his post at Preston Prison.

The British Psychological Society's conduct committee, sitting in Central London was told Fowler was sentenced to 200 hours' community service.

Andrew Karnes, for the society, said Fowler, who was not present or represented at yesterday's hearing, had written to express remorse for his "colossal error of judgment."

Fowler was suspended from practising for six months. He was also told he must not practise independently until he achieves chartered status.

Mr Karnes said that between July and October 2002, Fowler had tried to get housing benefit from Chorley Borough Council, claiming to be the landlord of his co-accused.

"This was in order to claim he was entitled to housing benefit, which, indeed, he was not."

Mr Karnes said Fowler was convicted on June 16, 2003 on six counts of jointly attempting to obtain a money transfer by deception.

In his letter, Fowler, a graduate member of the society, pleaded guilty to professional misconduct. The committee found the facts proved and ruled it did amount to professional misconduct.

Committee chairman Ian Caldwell, said: "The public have a right to expect that the professionals with whom they deal have the highest standards of integrity and honesty."

They gave Fowler credit for his admission regarding professional misconduct but, said Mr Caldwell, he had "brought the professional into disrepute."