A Saundersfoot man has been given a suspended jail sentence after admitting benefit fraud.

Seventy-two-year-old Michael Ledger, of Churchton, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday, to plead guilty to three counts of benefit fraud; and one charge of obtaining a money transfer by deception.

The court heard how Mr. Ledger dishonestly failed to disclose information to Pembrokeshire County Council, between May of 2010 and March 2013, relating to claims he made for Council Tax and Housing Benefit.

He also dishonestly failed to disclose information to the Department of Work and Pensions between January, 2007 and July, 2010, when making a claim for Pension Credit entitlement.

The defendant also admitted a charge of failing to declare household income in excess of permitted limits when obtaining a money transfer from the Department of Work and Pensions between October, 2005 and January, 2007.

Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told magistrates that Mr. Ledger had falsely claimed £36,859.84 over this period in total, and stated when making claims that he and his wife had no income or savings.

The court heard how Mr. Ledger over this period of time had been the sole trader of a firm called Omickle Limited and had also undertaken part-time work as a caretaker, whilst his wife worked at a shop in Saundersfoot as well.

Defence solicitor Mike Kelleher told the court that Mr. Ledger accepted what he owed and had now agreed a payment plan to repay the funds.

“He was first interviewed over this matter in June 2016, and has be-n waiting nearly a year-and-a half for this to come to court, which has put a huge strain on him and his wife, who is not a well person.

“She suffers severe panic attacks and the two travel everywhere together, as she’s too nervous to stay in the house alone.

“Her condition led Mr. Ledger to give up work to be her carer. There would be no benefit by imprisoning him, his wife would be the main sufferer.

“He is of clean character and at 72 years of age has never been in trouble before,” added Mr. Kelleher.

Magistrates told Mr. Ledger that they had given the matter considerable thought and that the fraudulent activity which took place over an extended period of time amounted to such a significant amount that it would take him 60 years to repay it at the current rate of the repayment plan.

A prison sentence of 12 months was given to Mr. Ledger in total, suspended for two years, and Mr. Ledger was ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work in the community.

He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £100 and a £100 victim surcharge.