A benefit cheat was branded a “sponger” by a judge who ordered him to do unpaid work for the community.

John Gornall, 55, of Fernville Drive, Laisterdyke, Bradford, pleaded guilty to two offences of failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change of circumstances.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that Gornall’s original claim for Incapacity Benefit and Housing and Council Tax Benefit was perfectly genuine.

But he claimed £11,000 of state money dishonestly by continuing to pocket the cash after starting a job.

Judge Peter Benson told Gornall: “This was a deliberate piece of sponging on the state and you should be ashamed of yourself.”

Gornall, previously of good character, was sentenced to a 12 month community order with 140 hours unpaid work.