A MAN has been sent down for eight weeks for fraud after dishonestly claiming more £12,000 in benefits.

Yeovil-born Liam Peddy, 24, formerly from Bridport, was found guilty by a jury at Dorchester Crown Court following a two-day trial last month. 

His honour, Judge Peter Johnson, was told at the hearing on Monday (SEPT 14) that Peddy had been found guilty on two counts for claiming housing benefits and council tax of more than £6,400 and more than £5,500 for jobseeker's allowance – despite the fact he was working at the time.

The court heard how he had been restoring old motorcycle parts during the same 18-month period.

The 24-year-old was handed an eight-week prison sentence for dishonestly claiming public funds.

Judge Johnson said: “I take into account all that has been said about you. 

"But you chose to stand your trial and deny your guilt and accordingly you were then found guilty by the jury. 

"It was blindingly obvious you should declare it. 

"This was public money that you dishonestly obtained and that’s why there’s only one 
immediate sentence I can impose.”

Mitigating was Timothy Shorter, who said since his conviction Peddy had begun to make reparation.

He said Peddy had started paying back £100 each month to the Department of Work and Pensions. He’d also been working more full-time and hoped to soon have his own business.

Describing Peddy as having “a chequered background”, Mr Shorter said: “He is making substantial efforts to repay. 

"He has made it clear that at the time he didn’t think he was doing anything wrong. 

"He acknowledges he has done wrong, he accepts the finding of the jury. 

"He accepts he must be punished for this offence.

“He has gone a long way. 

"It’s my submission that this is a young man who can be properly dealt with without being sent to prison.”

But Mr Shorter’s pleas were not enough to keep Peddy, who had four previous convictions for theft and shoplifting, from prison.