Benefit fraudster escapes jail sentence

Kurtis Pinder (27), of Nidderdale Road, Rotherham, admitted benefit fraud at Sheffield Crown Court and was given a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Pinder had been claiming carers allowance and income support for four years after declaring he was caring for a vulnerable relative.

A police spokeswoman said: "In reality, Pinder was not delivering care and rarely visited his relative." 

PC Lynn Robins, investigating officer, said: "Pinder was exploiting his relative for his own financial gain, it is simply not acceptable.

"We hope that this will act as a deterrent for others who might be tempted to abuse the system in this way.” 

He was also ordered to undertake a 10 day rehabilitation order and ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.