A court's heard a man claimed money under a Covid scheme, despite continuing to work

A court’s heard a Douglas man claimed money under a government Covid scheme, despite continuing to work.

Matthew Johnston of King Street in Douglas appeared before magistrates at Douglas Courthouse.

The 48 year old pleaded guilty to one count of making false representations to obtain benefits, and nine of failing to inform officials about a change in his circumstances.

The court heard Johnston began claiming incapacity benefit in October 2020 but didn’t tell officials he was working.

He also claimed money under the Manx Earnings Replacement Allowance but didn’t mention his job.

Prosecutor Peter Davey said in total, Johnston had wrongly claimed £14,000.

Magistrates asked for a report to be prepared by the probation service and bailed him in the sum of £500 until his sentencing hearing on March 23.