A CANVEY nightclub bouncer fraudulently claimed £13,260 in benefits.
Michael High, 35, of Grafton Road, Canvey, appeared in Southend Magistrates' Court , following a joint prosecution by Castle Point Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
He had been claiming housing and council tax benefit while working as a licensed doorman at the Monaco bar and restaurant on Canvey.
He falsely claimed £8,657 housing and council tax benefit and a further £4,603 in Jobseeker's Allowance.
He was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work.
The council and Department for Work and Pensions are also taking action to recover the overpaid benefits.
Council leader Pam Challis said: "Fraud is not a victimless crime.
"It affects everyone in the community, if people are getting public money they are not entitled to.
"We will take action against anyone who is found to be making false claims.
"Offenders risk not only a criminal record, a fine and even prison."
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