A NEWCASTLE Emlyn man has admitted fraudulently claiming more than £6,000 in benefits while working.

James Graham, of Capel Iwan, pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify of a change of circumstances affecting his entitlement to benefits, when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday.

He admitted that he failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions that he was in employment between November 14, 2015 and September 30, 2016.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, told the court that Graham, 26, initially made a genuine claim for Employment and Support Allowance, on the basis that he suffered from ill-health and was unable to work.

He then gained employment at a local garage, and received over-payments of £6,347.95.

Graham fully admitted that he should have made a declaration when interviewed, stating: “I hold my hands up entirely, I messed up.”

Stacey Holmes, defending, said: “He accepts fully that he committed the fraud, he was suffering from mental health issues at the time.

“He was unsure of how his mental health would be, and whether he would be able to continue with his job.”

Miss Holmes told the bench that Graham had already repaid the amount owed in full, and had recently set up his own business.

“He is trying to change his life. He has seen the error of his ways and is unlikely to be before the court again.”

Magistrates fined Graham £800 and ordered him to pay £85 court costs and an £80 surcharge.