A 47-YEAR-OLD Skipton man on a suspended prison sentence for benefit fraud has admitted falsely claiming disability living allowance.

Ian Peacock was told by magistrates on Friday his sentence could have been enacted straight away, but he would instead be sentenced after Christmas following a report by the probation service.

Peacock, of Beamsley Court, had falsely claimed £3,242 in DLA while working as a baker between January 2, 2013, and February 18, this year, the court was told.

He had originally claimed serious mobility issues and had been unable to walk any distance.

But despite informing the Department for Work in Pensions in 2013 that he had started work, he had failed to state that his health had improved.

Peacock was filmed at the bakery carrying heavy items during surveillance carried out by the DWP.

Peacock, who admitted failing to inform the DWP of a change in his circumstances, was subject to a two-year suspended prison sentence, imposed at the Skipton court for falsely claiming £20,000 in housing benefit.

In mitigation, John Mewies said Peacock, a single man, had dyslexia and had difficulties in reading and writing.

He said he had notified the DWP about his employment, but had neglected to mention that his health had improved.

"It might have been sensible for the department to have contacted him, but they didn't," said Mr Mewies.

Mr Mewies acknowledged that Peacock was in danger of having his suspended sentence imposed, but pointed out he was vulnerable.

Peacock will be sentenced on January 2.