An Ipswich benefit cheat has been spared prison after claiming nearly £35,000 he was not entitled to.

Daniel Laflin, of Pembroke Close, pleaded guilty to three charges when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court.

The 39-year-old admitted dishonestly failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions and Ipswich Borough Council about a change in his circumstances.

The offences related to his jobseekers’ allowance, his housing benefit and his council tax benefit.

They took place at various times between February 1, 2009, and November 30, 2014.

The overpayment for all the allowances came to £34,413.55.

The court was told Laflin and his partner had effectively separated, but had continued living in the same household.

Laflin was expecting his partner to move out, but she never did and he carried on claiming the benefits as he feared he would end up homeless otherwise.

Laflin was sentenced to 18 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

He must also pay £85 costs and £80 to the victims’ fund.