A FIFTEEN-pounds-an-hour lecturer at Burnley College claimed nearly £5,000 in benefits to which he was not entitled.

Blackburn magistrates heard that massive debts run up while the media studies graduate was a student and doing his teaching diploma were behind the deception.

Balvinder Kumar, 27, of Whalley New Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to three specimen charges of making a false statement to obtain benefit and was put on probation for 18 months. Magistrates made no order for costs.

Hannah Roberts, prosecuting, said Kumar was employed by the college between September 1997 and August 1998. During that time he received £2,330 in job seekers allowance and £2,528 in council tax and housing benefit, none of which would have been payable had his earnings been known.

Brent Patterson, defending, said Kumar had brought the offences to the notice of the authorities of his own volition. His client had built up massive debts during his time as a student and, although he was earning £15 an hour at Burnley College, he was only working three days a week.

"He stupidly thought he could do it for a short time, until he could get sorted out," said Mr Patterson. "He still has debts of £6,000 but these were not built up through extravagance and high living, it was just a case of surviving as a student."

Mr Patterson said the offences would greatly affect Kumar's ability to work. "What college is going to give him a second glance when they see this conviction?" he said.

Mr Patterson said Kumar undertook a considerable amount of voluntary work, including using his media skills to help out with the Big Issue in Manchester.

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