A BENEFIT fraudster who falsely claimed nearly £4,000 was caught while trying to go to Florida.

Duncan Charles Oliver had $7,000 in cash when he was arrested at Gatwick Airport by Sussex Police on May 28, just before he boarded a flight to Orlando.

The 48-year-old pleaded guilty at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court the next day to falsely claiming £3,730 from Purbeck District Council in benefit for bed and breakfast accommodation in Upton.

His claim dated back to May 2011, but he had left the property after just one month. After he was first caught at a job centre in Reading, he was due to appear in court in February but failed to attend, leading to a warrant being issued.

Oliver, of no fixed abode, was ordered to repay the money and given a 12 month conditional discharge. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs.

To report suspected benefit fraud, contact 01305 211938.