A Bradford man claimed more than £7,000 of income support benefit after failing to declare he lived with his wife, a court heard.

William Kerry was “embarrassed and deeply ashamed” to be facing the charges, magistrates heard.

Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court heard that the 53-year-old had previously claimed his wife just visited him sometimes.

In mitigation, the court was told that Kerry had made the claim because he thought he and his wife were going to separate.

Kerry, of Griffe Head Road, Wyke, was given a 12-month community order with 100 hours’ light work. He must also pay a £60 victim surcharge.

He has also already started repaying the £7,112, the court was told.