A MAN started dealing in scrap metal despite claiming benefits on the basis he was unable to work for medical reasons.

Blackburn magistrates heard Stephen Lee Astbury, 32, pocketed more than £15,000 he wasn’t entitled to over a two-year period.

Astbury, of Cross Street, Great Harwood, pleaded guilty to four charges of making a false statement to obtain housing benefit and employment support allowance.

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He was sentenced to 32 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months with a 15 day rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £115 victim surcharge.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said Astbury had been signed off work because of split personality disorder, anxiety and depression.

Investigators found references on his Facebook account to scrap metal collections and further inquiries showed deposits in his bank account made by European Metal Recyclers.

Ian Huggan, defending, said initially the claim had been genuine and his client said he was not aware he had to declare the small amount he was making selling scrap.

“He says he would not have claimed if he had known it was fraudulent,” said Mr Huggan.