A Plymouth man must carry out 160 hours of community service after admitting to quitting his social housing property whilst he still claimed council tax support.
Lloyd Herbert, 26, of Marina Terrace, pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud at Plymouth Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
In light of Herbert's early guilty plea, he was sentenced to a 12 month community order of 160 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay costs of £450 and a victim surcharge of £85.
The court heard how Herbert had been renting a house from Plymouth Community Homes in Ipswich Close, Whitleigh, whilst receiving Council Tax support from the council.
Following a tip off from a neighbour, Herbert was interviewed under caution in October 2017. It was ultimately discovered that Herbert had moved out of Ipswich Close in August 2016, had failed to notify Plymouth Community Homes and had been living in Marina Terrace ever since.
Herbert had also continued to claim Council Tax support for the property for the same period, despite living elsewhere.
Councillor Sally Haydon, cabinet member for customer focus and community safety, said: "The council is currently supporting a number of individuals and families to live in temporary accommodation while they wait for a permanent residence.
"That is why it's so important that we pursue and punish those who are dishonest.
"Lloyd Herbert could have given up his property and put it back into the system for others but instead he chose to keep hold of this property for his own benefit when he knew that he was no longer entitled to it."
Fran Sandercock, PCH senior housing officer, said: "We want to make sure the right people are in the right homes. Social housing is at a premium and many families in need are waiting for accommodation.
"We're working hard to prevent tenancy fraud and residents and neighbours can help by reporting anything suspicious."
