Man accused of £24,000 benefit fraud

A stonemason from Greeba is facing trial after denying falsely claiming £24,000 in benefits over two and a half years.

Neil Christopher Cheetham of Greeba Towers appeared before magistrates this week to deny six counts of making false representations to obtain benefits and one of failing to inform Treasury of a change in circumstances.

Prosecution advocate Becky Cubbon told the court Mr Cheetham - a director of Stonecraft - had started work just two days after first making his claim.

She argued a higher court should hear the case because of the limited sentencing powers of magistrates.

The bench agreed, and said the 57 year old should be tried in the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

He was bailed until his next appearance on April 11.