A FATHER of two who lied and cheated his way to almost £13,000 in benefits has escaped a jail term.

Burnley magistrates heard how Michael Shaw, 44, had felt his actions were justified. He did not tell the authorities when his circumstances changed as he felt there was no other way to tackle his money problems. Shaw, of Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, admitted failing to notify a change in circumstances between December 1, 2001, and June 23 last year, and four allegations of dishonestly making a false statement or representation to obtain benefits, on or about October 18, 2001, and in April and May last year. He was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order and told to pay £75 costs.

Richard Taylor, prosecuting, said Shaw, who lived with his partner and had a dependent child, had been receiving benefits since 1996. He claimed Income Support on the basis of caring for his father and was in receipt of housing and council tax allowance. Between September 2001 and June 2003 his partner was working. Shaw failed to tell the local council of any changes and was overpaid £12,942 in income support, housing and council tax benefit.