John Ivor Wilkins, 36, from Seven Stars Road in Leyland, was ordered by magistrates to stay at home every night for four months because he failed to tell the council how much cash he had and went on to claim benefits he wasn't entitled to.

The fraudster had been obtaining Working Tax Credit and had received an increase in his Child Tax Credit, making him ineligible to receive the £2,236 he went on to claim in housing benefit and council tax benefit.

Leyland Magistrates' Court imposed a curfew, forbidding the man from leaving his home between 9pm and 7am. He was also ordered to repay the cash he stole, along with costs to the court.

In a separate case a 23-year-old Leyland woman failed to tell the council she'd moved in with her boyfriend and went on to claim £3,811 in housing benefit, council tax benefit and income support.

Lisa Harris, previously of Leyton Avenue, Leyland, was given a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered by magistrates to pay back the illegally claimed amount along with costs to the court.

Coun Margaret Smith, leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: "These are two fantastic results for our benefit inquiry unit. Yet again their hard work has paid off.

"The result should serve as a warning to other benefit fraudsters across the borough. If they think that they can get away with stealing taxpayers' money then they are mistaken.

"We have a dedicated team of experts who work hard to track these people down and make sure that they are made accountable.

"We try to do all we can to ensure that everyone who is genuinely entitled to benefits knows how to claim them – if you think you may be eligible to receive housing benefit or council tax benefit you should call us for advice on 01772 625518."