The disgraced former leader of Swanley Town Council has avoided prison after being exposed as a benefit cheat.

Robert Woodbridge, from Swanley, was handed a suspended sentence after his scam was exposed by investigators by the Department of Work and Pensions.

Woodbridge, 59, was a Labour councillor for 16 years from May 1999, who served as council leader for a year.

He claimed he could'nt walk because of severe pain from inflammatory arthritis.

But between August and November 2015, investigators reportedly filmed him carrying out everyday tasks with no issues, including pushing a trailer, walking up and down stairs and even building a shed.

Woodbridge, who said he needed round-the-clock care, claimed more than £3,000 in disability allowances above and beyond what he was entitled to.

He denied dishonestly failing to notify the DWP of a change of circumstances, but was convicted after a short trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

He was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months.