A PUB manager appeared in court yesterday charged with falsely claiming incapacity benefit.

Paul Hooper, 37, of Castle Street, Kingston-upon-Thames, appeared before Bishop Auckland magistrates on Monday and admitted receiving incapacity benefit and income support while working at a pub and renting out his home.

Bruce Cunningham, prosecuting, said Hooper claimed £2,200 while working as a relief manager at a pub in Sussex. He rented out his Darlington home and travelled to the town at weekends to claim benefits.

Jonathan Wager, for Hooper, said he moved out of the house because he could not afford to keep it, having lost his job through ill health.

"Mr Hooper had an accident which caused him to become unemployed and had a large number of debts outstanding.

"The defendant claimed benefits and moved out the house, but didn't realise that by moving out the house he gave himself capital and so was not eligible for benefit," he said.

Hooper was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £65