In Nottingham's courts...

PHILIP Chambers, 43, of Dunsil Close, Mansfield, has been given a suspended jail sentence for falsely claiming Jobseeker's allowance.

He pleaded guilty to having failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions that he had found employment, while still claiming Jobseeker's allowance between November 18, 2008, and January 11, 2009. He was handed a six-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £750 costs. 

Chambers also admitted having committed fraud on June 19, 2009, after failing to disclose his employment while claiming housing and council tax benefit. He also pleaded guilty to three charges of falsely claiming Employment and Support Allowance while working between October 19, 2009 and December 31, 2009; between February 2, 2010 and July 12, 2012; and between September 6, 2010 and November 30, 2010. 

Chambers also pleaded guilty to three charges of failing to notify Newark and Sherwood District Council that he was working while claiming housing and council tax benefit, between October 19, 2009 and November 19, 2009; on May 19, 2010; and between September 6, 2010 and November 30, 2010.

He was given six-week jail sentences for each charge, suspended for 12 months, which will be served concurrently to the first charge.