A 43-year-old man committed benefit fraud months after he had been given a caution for an identical offence.

Blackburn magistrates heard David Jolly claimed housing and council tax benefit while he was working and also claiming working tax credit.

And the fraudulent claim resulted in an overpayment of £1,462.

Jolly, of Mill Lane, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change of circumstances.

He was ordered to do 180 hours unpaid work and pay £1,462 compensation.

Babajide Martins, prosecuting, said in March 2010 Jolly had fraudulently claimed £1,770 and had been dealt with by way of a caution, repayment and an administrative penalty.

The latest offence related to the period June 26 to October 17 when Jolly had been receiving housing and council tax.

He failed to declare he was working for Neville G Ltd between June and August and for First Rate Recruitment in October.

Jolly said he had been ‘incredibly stupid’.