A FOREST of Dean man has been ordered to pay back more than £36,000 in benefits he fraudulently claimed while earning money as a piano tutor.

Keith Hirst pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining housing benefit between December 30, 2019 and January 22, 2023, Pension Credit between May 9 2015 to April 1, 2022 resulting in an overpayment of £14,269 and making a false representation when claiming Council Tax reduction between December 30, 2019 and January 22, 2023.

He has been making voluntary payments to clear the total of £36,253 he owes the DWP and the Forest Council, Gloucester Crown Court heard.

Hirst, of Primrose Way, Lydney, received Council Tax benefit because Pension Credit was his only source of income and he claimed a full Council Tax reduction on the basis he was not earning anything from employment.

Prosecutor Alexandra Wilson said: “However, during the course of the investigation Hirst’s bank account was examined between January 20, 2018, and June 11, 2020, which detailed a lot of unexplained income going through his account.

“He then admitted to the investigator that he had been self-employed whilst claiming benefits and stated that he would be happy to pay back what he owed.”

The court was told that Hirst had paid back in full the £5,567 Council Tax rebate, the outstanding Housing Benefit has been reduced by £2,200 and the Pension Credit debt has been reduced to £5,771.

Some £22, 714 still remains outstanding, but because he is making voluntary payments, he will not be facing a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing.

Catherine Spedding, defending, said: “Hirst is extremely remorseful over his actions. He is really a law-abiding citizen and has chosen to repay the amount he owes.

The Judge, Recorder Ramin Pakrooh said: “Hirst has made significant inroads on the debt he owes, which amounted to £36,253 over a period of some time.”

“ I do recognise that this conviction will not sit easily with you, especially as the custody threshold has been crossed.

“However it seems to me because of the efforts that you have already made, that a real alternative to custody should be sought, especially as your remorse is genuine.”

Hirst was sentenced to a 12-month community order and ordered to pay back all the money he owes.

He was also ordered to pay a contribution to prosecution costs of £150 and undertake 100 hours of unpaid work.