Oliver Robinson, 36, of Mill Close, Deddington, was working as a tyre and exhaust fitter between April 30 and August 12 2007 when he made claims totalling almost £800.

At Banbury Magistrates' Court on Wednesday (July 22) he pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming £607.52 of housing benefit and £178.69 of council tax.

He was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £100 court costs. He must also pay back the money he stole from the taxpayer.

Cherwell District Council portfolio holder for communications and public relations, Cllr Kieron Mallon, said: "The residents of Cherwell are increasingly becoming fed up with people who claim more than they are entitled to and drain public money.

"They see the hotline as a free and easy way to report people fiddling the benefits system and stealing their money."

To report someone you suspect is cheating benefits call 0800 716152.