A MISTAKE filling in a housing benefit form has cost a Consett man £500.
North Durham magistrates heard that 64-year-old George Butler failed to declare to Derwentside District Council that his income included Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
He received a total of £454 that he was not entitled to.
Butler, a married man, of Northfield View, Consett, admitted making a false declaration.
He told the court: "On the day I filled in the form I filled in two others.
"The first two were correct. I just missed it off by mistake, I can't think why. I take responsibility. I should have checked the form.''
Butler was fined £250 and ordered to pay £250 costs. He has arranged to repay the housing benefit.
Chairman of the bench Mac Williams said: "This is a very serious offence and you could have gone to prison.''
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