A man has been slapped with a suspended prison sentence after fraudulently claiming housing benefits from Bexley Council, whilst living in Thamesmead.

Kelvin Smith Sodeko, who lived on Eastgate Close, was overpaid benefits by almost £10,000 after he failed to declare he was a student since 2011, receiving student loans and grants.

The 44-year-old pleaded guilty to failing to declare his circumstances in Bexley Magistrates Court on April 13.

He was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment, suspended by 12 months, in the same court on April 27.

Sodeko, who now lives on Raglan Road in Woolwich, must do 160 hours of unpaid probation work, and was ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs. A collection order was made.

The prosecutor told the court the public purse had been defrauded of a significant amount of money - £9,978.78.

News Shopper: Leader of Bexley Council Cllr Teresa O'Neill worked with John McNair for more than 10 years

Coun O' Neill

Bexley Council leader, Teresa O’ Neill said: “Those who fraudulently claim benefits are stealing from our law-abiding residents and the Council will not stand-by and let that happen.

“Those found to be making fraudulent claims will be prosecuted.

"Data matching facilities make it easy to find people who are receiving benefits they are not entitled to."

TODAY'S TOP STORIES