A JUDGE has ordered a benefit fraudster to hand over ill gotten gains totalling more than £12,000.

Terence Daniel Mitchell, 45, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court earlier this year. He was said to have netted more than £16,000 from a bogus benefit claim having failed to disclose substantial savings.

Mitchell, of Almery Drive, Carlisle, admitted fraud and was given a suspended prison sentence and unpaid work.

Mitchell attended the crown court again today. During a short Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, Recorder David Swinnerton heard the defendant had benefited from his crime to the tune of £15,958.83.

He was found to have available assets of £12,391.34, which must be handed over within three months. If the cash is not forthcoming Recorder Swinnerton directed Mitchell to serve a seven-month prison sentence in default.