A 27-YEAR-OLD man who was helping a "friend" who struggled with reading and writing apply for a benefits loan put his own bank details on the application form.

Blackburn magistrates heard the £348 loan was subsequently paid into the account of Michael Gebre Cresto and it was only when his friend questioned why the money had not been paid into his account the deception came to light.

Cresto, 27, of Preston New Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to fraudulently making false representation to make a gain for himself of £348. He was fined £80 with £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge and ordered to pay £348 compensation.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the defendant and the victim lived in multi-occupation accommodation in Blackburn.

"The other man struggles with reading and writing and asked the defendant, who he considered a friend, to help him apply for a loan from the DWP," said Mr Robinson. "He gave the defendant his personal details which were entered on the form but the defendnant entered his own bank account details."

Mr Robinson said the aggrieved was told the loan had been approved and would be paid into his account but it didn't arrive and checks revealed were it had ended up.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client had been in financial difficulty at the time of the offence.

"He was offered a caution on condition he paid back the money but it was always unlikely he was going to find £348 to repay in a lump sum," said Mr Prew.