A man has been given a suspended prison term after illegally claiming nearly £27,000 of benefits while studying at De Montfort University.
Amerdeep Singh Tara, claimed £26,467.96 in Council Tax benefit, Job Seekers Allowance and Employment Support for almost three years, despite renting out his home and studying for a degree at De Montfort University.
Tara, 33, of Harrowgate Drive, Birstall, also claimed Single Persons Discount on his Council Tax, despite living with tenants.
The council investigated Tara after two of his tenants applied for housing benefit.
Officials also found that he had been advertising for tenants online.
At a hearing on November 17, Tara admitted all five charges of fraud and was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge. The illegally claimed money will also be recouped.
After the hearing the council's cabinet member for revenues, benefits and customer services Councillor Jenny Bokor said: "There is no excuse for benefit fraud and we will not tolerate people stealing from the public purse.
"It is simply not fair that this money is being diverted away from people who are genuinely in need and we welcome this successful prosecution.
"We take benefit fraud extremely seriously and will investigate any allegations. I hope this case acts as reminder to potential fraudsters that we will take action."
