A FATHER who claimed more than £4,000 in benefits while holding down two jobs told a court he was working to make ends meet.

Trevor Fillbrook admitted dishonestly failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change in his personal circumstances that would have affect his entitlement to Income Support and Carers Allowance.

Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard the offences took place during 2011 and 2012, while 38-year-old Fillbrook was employed by a pub on a casual basis and a logistics company via an employment agency.

Prosecutor John Garside said that, although the benefit claims were not false from the outset, Fillbrook failed to disclose the fact that he was working.

A total of £4,795.42 was claimed dishonestly, said Mr Garside.

Fillbrook, of Wharfe Way, Darlington, who represented himself in court, said: “I was just doing it to keep my head above water.

“It’s not like I was working full-time, it’s not like I was out buying flash cars.”

He was fined £147 for each offence, with £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.