A SANDWICH shop and cafe boss has appeared in court along with four of his staff on charges of benefit fraud.

Barrie Jackson, of Bank House Cottage, Higham, is being prosecuted by the Department for Work and Pensions for allegedly colluding with staff to provide false information.

He denies a charge of obtaining benefit for others by dishonestly furnishing false information.

The prosecution follows an undercover surveillance of the two premises, in Kenyon Road, Lomeshaye, Nelson, last year when workers were allegedly seen by DWP officers working over their stated hours. Four of the staff appeared before magistrates yesterday.

Karen Sturdy, 35, of Kimberley Street, Briercliffe, admitted failing to notify the DWP when her hours increased, which affected her husband's claim for income support, between July and January last year. She was given a 12-month conditional discharge. Student Adelle Murgatroyd, 35, of Burnley pleaded guilty to under-declaring her hours and was given a six-month conditional discharge. Margery Tomlinson, 34, of Lymm Street, Burnley pleaded guilty to a failure to notify of a change in circumstances. She was overpaid by £565 and was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £75 costs. Rita Higham, 57, of Carr Hall Road, Barrowford, pleaded not guilty to a failure to notify the DWP. Her case was adjourned until next year.

Barrie Jackson will appear at magistrates next year.