BEXLEY Council has continued its crackdown on fraudulent housing benefit claims by successfully prosecuting a resident.

Michael Roberts, of Wickham Street, Welling, pleaded guilty to the charges involving the fraudulent receipt of housing benefit.

The court heard Roberts had received £2,800 worth of housing benefit cheques after selling property he had previously rented out. Roberts decided not to tell the council he had sold the property and was no longer entitled to payments.

The magistrates told Roberts he had, in effect, stolen a large amount of money over a long period and requested the preparation of reports.

The case was adjourned until tomorrow (Thursday) for sentencing.