A benefit cheat who scammed more than £38,000 in housing benefits has been jailed after Ealing Council uncovered his crimes.

Saeed Delnavaz, 38, of Hillyard Road, Hanwell pleaded guilty to six offences of dishonesty following an investigation by Ealing Council.

On 13th February, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison and also ordered to pay £2,500 costs.

Delnavaz had been fraudulently claiming benefits whilst living in a rented property in Acton, and renting out the property he bought in Hanwell in 2005.

He did not inform the Council of his living arrangements and that he was working at a local Chinese takeaway restaurant.

Since 2004, he had also been receiving hundreds of pounds each week from his father in Iran since 2004.

Over a period of five years Delnavaz pocketed more than £38,000. He offered to pay it back at £100 per month. This was not acceptable to the court and a confiscation hearing has been set for June 30.

Councillor David Scott, Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, said: "It’s disgraceful that someone can be so dishonest."

"I am glad the truth has finally caught up with this man and he has been made to face the consequences of his actions."

"We will continue to take a tough line with fraudsters and I hope his punishment acts as a warning to others."