A BENEFITS cheat who was living outside of the UK while claiming taxpayer cash has been ordered to carry out unpaid work.

Justin De Freitas, of West Street in Blandford, was convicted of three counts of dishonestly failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a change of circumstances affecting his entitlement to a social security benefit, advantage or payment following a trial at Poole Magistrates' Court.

The 44-year-old claimed income support, disability living allowance and employment and support allowance on dates between 2013 and 2016.

At the time, he was living away from his stated address of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire and out of the country.

He was sentenced to a community order, under which he must complete 25 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement and carry out 300 hours of unpaid work.

De Freitas was also ordered to pay £300 costs and an £85 surcharge.