A man who falsely claimed thousands in benefits despite living in another city was given a suspended jail sentence.

Sivasubramanian Srithar, 53, was claiming housing and council tax benefit at a house in Bye Way, Harrow, despite living in Coventry, where he was paying off a mortgage.

He claimed £15,000 between January 2004 and March 2011 as well as claiming benefits from Coventry Council.

Last week at Willesden Magistrates Court the 53-year-old admitted falsely claiming benefits and was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

He was also given a curfew of 7pm to 7am for 12 weeks and ordered to pay £500 costs and a victims surcharge.

Leader of Harrow Borough Council Susan Hall said: “Once again we have caught up with someone who was trying to play the system and thought they could get away with it.

“In this case, as well as bringing a benefits cheat to court, we were able to free up a house for a family who genuinely needed it.

“It could take a long time to fully get back what we are owed and it is the taxpayer who ultimately loses out here. We will continue to pursue anyone suspected of ripping off our residents and get back every penny we possibly can.

“This disgusting behaviour must not go unpunished – I am determined that these cheats are brought to justice."

Srithar is also due to payback the benefits he falsely claimed which total £15,198 and harrow council has regained the home in Bye Way which is going to family on the borough’s waiting list.