BENEFITS cheat Victor Dudziak who claimed to be so poor that he and his wife were forced to sell personal items, had savings of more than £80,000 stashed away.

Dudziak, of Summerfield Way, Benwick but recently of Brampton, was spared prison after magistrates heard he was working and could repay the money fraudulently obtained.

Dudziak, 52, admitted four charges of defrauding Huntingdonshire and Fenland District Councils and the Department for Work and Pensions out of £26,434 over a three year period.

“He had failed to declare a number of bank accounts and savings of more than £80,000 in his and his wife’s name,” said a Fenland Council spokesman.

Huntingdon magistrates said the offences were so serious a custodial sentence would normally have been considered but decided to suspend his 20 week sentence for 18 months since he was working and could repay the cash.

Dudziak was also told he must complete 200 hours of unpaid community work and will have to pay costs of £1,500.

The spokesman said: “If you suspect someone is committing benefit fraud, you can call FDC in complete confidence 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 01354 622583.”

The council can also be contacted via e-mail fraud@fenland.gov.uk or in writing to The Customer Services Team at Fenland District Council, PO Box 60, County Road, March, Cambs PE15 8NQ.