A DAD who was claiming incapacity benefits while working for doctors got more than £25,000 of taxpayers’ cash through lying, a court heard.

Burnley Crown Court was told Craig Harrison, 40, claimed he had repetitive strain injury but was employed as a driver/ receptionist for Radio Doctor from a health centre in the town.

He was earning more than £1,000 a month during the four and a half year scam.

His claim was legitimate at the start, but it became dishonest and he claimed he had forgotten to tell the Department for Work and Pensions, and had got in too deep.

The cash was not said to have been spent on high living.

Harrison, of Windermere Avenue, Burnley, admitted failing to notify a change in circumstances.

The defendant, whose job is now on the line, was given a 12-month suspended jail sentence, with 200 hours unpaid work.

He had been sent to the crown court for sentencing by Reedley magistrates.

Sentencing, Recorder Eric Lamb told the defendant, who had two previous convictions for dishon-esty, that his excuse about not telling the DWP was weak.

He went on: “That money was provided by the taxpayer for the support of needy people.

“You depleted the money that was available to those that really needed it.”

Richard Taylor, prosecuting for the DWP, said Harrison started claiming benefits in April 1994, on the basis he was not working.

Evidence later became available that he was working as a driver/ receptionist for Radio Doctor at Burnley’s St Peter’s Centre from March 2, 2002.

Between then and November 2007 he was employed, but carried on claiming benefits. He received £25,595.88 to which he was not entitled.

Mr Taylor said in May last year, he was invited to an interview in a letter delivered to his home by hand.

He failed to attend and in December attended an interview under caution, but walked out immediately after the caution was read to him.

In May this year, he was again questioned under caution. The prosecutor said the defendant was now paying back the money, but £24,955.88 was still outstanding.

Harrison, who was not legally represented, told the hearing: “I have told them they can have every penny back.”

Asked by the judge what he used the money for, he replied: “Nothing.”

The defendant said he had a child to support.

He said: “I do believe that I can be sent to prison today.

“I am very lucky I am still in full time employment.

“I really wish I could go back in time and everything would be different.”