A MATURE student claimed more than £3,300 in child care benefits to pay his way through his college course.

Mark Sturgeon was told he had narrowly escaped prison after he admitted three counts of obtaining money transfer by deception.

Sturgeon admitted the offence after he was discovered by Worcestershire County Council student finance department following an investigation.

He had applied for benefit of more than £3,321 between September 1, 2005 and August 31, 2006.

Sturgeon originally claimed the cash to pay for child care for his seven-year-old daughter but the baby-sitter had not received any of money, except £157 in October.

Syma Akhtar, prosecuting, said he had initially provided "totally false accounts" to the police. She added: "He was interviewed for a second time and admitted the woman had not been looking after his daughter. He took the money to boost his own income because he was concerned he would not be able to support himself through college."

Paul Stanley, defending, said: "The unfortunate backdrop to this was the breakdown of a 10-year marriage. He's not a stupid man and he knows what he's done is wrong."

Sturgeon aged 47, of Church Lane, Ombersley, was given a community order for 12 months in which he has to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.

No claims for costs were made in light of Sturgeon's financial situation, although it is possible the county council will launch their own case for compensation.