A 64-YEAR-OLD Worcester man has been jailed for nine months after falsely claiming more than £20,000 in benefits.

HGV driver Dennis Powell worked for several firms while claiming incapacity, housing and council tax benefits and income support pension credits.

Ian Speed, prosecuting at Worcester Crown Court yesterday said Powell, of Birch Avenue, Tolladine, failed to inform the Department of Work and Pensions and Worcester City Council of a change to his circumstances, and therefore received a total of £22,394.11 in overpayments between 2000 and 2006.

Powell admitted 15 counts of obtaining benefit by making false representations and was jailed for nine months by Judge John Cavell.

In mitigation Andrew Evans said Powell's claim had begun as a legitimate one, after he suffered a stroke and was unable to work.

"He led a law-abiding life until he was in his late 50s," he said "In 2001 his family life began to unravel. His son was sent to prison for 10 years for drugs offences and this put a strain on his relationship with his wife.

"He suffered a stroke and was unable to work. He also took on responsibility for his son's debts as he wanted to ensure that his son was able to have a clean start when released. Around the same time his mother died and he had to cover the funeral costs."

The court heard Powell had paid back almost £1,000 to the city council and intended to pay back as much as he could during the rest of his working life.