A FORMER Calne resident who fraudulently claimed benefits will have to pay back thousands of pounds after finally appearing in court.

Kevin Tompkins, 43, previously of Highgrove Close, Calne attended court after being arrested on a warrant that had been outstanding for two years.

Mr Tompkins had claimed Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit when he lived in Calne between March 2010 and March 2011 while he was not working and needed help to pay his rent and council tax.

When he did find employment, Mr Tompkins failed to let the council know and continued to receive help to which he was no longer entitled.

This resulted in an overpayment of Council Tax Benefit of over £500 and Housing Benefit of nearly £3,000 which he will now have to repay.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: "The council is very keen to stamp out fraud and will take action against those found to be cheating the system.

"It is always the responsibility of the person claiming benefit to tell the council of any changes in circumstances which may affect their entitlement."

A data match highlighting the discrepancy was investigated but Mr Tompkins had already moved elsewhere.

He was tracked down to Herefordshire where he was interviewed by investigation officers at Herefordshire Council on behalf of Wiltshire Council.

Mr Tompkins was first summoned to appear at Chippenham Magistrates Court in June 2013 but he had again moved on from his Herefordshire address.

A warrant without bail was issued on August 12, 2013 following a further unsuccessful hearing.

A recent review of all outstanding warrants for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit offences confirmed Mr Tompkins' current whereabouts in Stroud and he was arrested and finally attended Swindon Magistrates Court on August 24 where he pleaded guilty to the charge and was ordered to pay a fine of £400, victim surcharge of £40 and costs of £350.

If you have any information that can help catch a cheat, call Wiltshire Council’s confidential hotline on 01249 706256, report fraud on the council’s website on the 'Report a Fraud' feature or on the My Wiltshire app.

To report any changes in circumstances to Wiltshire Council contact 0300 456 0110.