A WORCESTERSHIRE pensioner has admitted dishonestly claiming nearly £9,000 in benefits.

Michael Robbins of Stud Lane, Abberley, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to falsely claiming Pension Credit from Malvern Hills District Council in December 2010 and Housing and Council Tax Benefit from the authority in February 2011.

Prosecutor Owen Beale told the court in both cases the 69-year-old had failed to declare his wife was working as a cleaner and waitress earning up to £359 a week, and had been paid a total of £8,901.28 in benefits as a result.

“The explanation he gave was they were struggling financially and needed some extra money to help with the cost of living, which is high in a rural area,” he said.

Edward Gaynor-Smith, defending, said Mrs Robbins was employed on a zero-hour contract and her husband was unsure whether this meant he needed to declare her employment.

But he added Robbins has since repaid all the fraudulently claimed housing benefit, the council tax benefit was due to be fully repaid in August and the pension credit payments were being deducted from his pension.

District Judge Nigel Cadbury ordered him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work for each of the two offences.

“I consider you should put something back into the community,” he said.

He was ordered to pay £85 costs and £50 victim surcharge.