A PENSIONER who earned £35,000 breeding rare cats has pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming more than £20,000 in benefits.

Winston Spencer Taylor, 69, claimed pension credit, housing benefit and council tax benefit while he earned cash from his lucrative businesses.

A court heard that Talyor bred and sold Bengal kittens from his home in Seymour Street, Chorley.

But over a two-year period he claimed £20,000 on the basis that both his and his wife’s income was below the minimum the law says a couple in their circumstances needs to live on.

Magistrates heard how Mr Taylor failed to tell the authorities that he was a cat breeder, a sideline which generated nearly £35,000 in income between November 2007 and 2009.

Taking into account Mr Taylor’s age, health and early guilty plea, magistrates sentenced him to a three-year conditional discharge with an order to pay £200 costs.

Mr Taylor has also made arrangements with both Chorley Council and the DWP to repay the overpaid benefits in full.

Gary Hall, from Chorley Council, said the investigation came after a tip-off.

He said: “Information was given to us about Mr Taylor’s sideline activities and when we looked into them it was immediately clear that he had quite a significant income from breeding Bengal kittens. “No matter how your income is generated, everyone needs to be honest and tell us about it. “If you don’t, you will face prosecution, which could result in a criminal conviction and having to pay back any overpayments.”