A former Shropshire landlord has been handed a 12-month community order after falsely claiming a raft of different benefits.

Hugh William Thomas, 52, of Willow Mews, Oswestry, appeared in Shrewsbury Magistrates Court on Friday.

He was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work after being charged with four separate counts of failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting his entitlement to benefits between April 2, 2007, and January 19, 2010.

The charges relate to entitlement to Income Support, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance as well as Housing and Council Tax benefit.

Thomas admitted all charges having falsely claimed a total of £10,291 over a period of close to three years.

Steve Carver, prosecuting, said an investigation carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions found Thomas working at the Miners Arms, in Morda, in 2009, while claiming benefits.

He said: “There was surveillance taken of him working at the pub. The detectives said he had no problems or difficulties carrying out duties.

“He was fit enough to manage the beer deliveries and deal with the customers and the beer cellar.”

A spokesman for the DWP today confirmed that pictures of Thomas advertising in the Shropshire Star formed part of the investigation.

The court heard that Thomas claimed he could not straighten his back, was in considerable pain and could not stand up straight, to claim Disability Living Allowance. He also complained of fits and dizzy spells, problems getting in and out of bed and also getting dressed.

Stephen Scully, for Thomas, said his client had a number of outstanding debts which he would be paying off for the rest of his life.

He said: “At the time prior to the offences he was having a very difficult time at home.”

He added: “These were not claims to live a lavish lifestyle, they were simply to pay off the many debts.”

By Sam Pinnington