Gary Whittaker carried on the deception for four year when he worked as a sugar boiler and he spent the money on drugs.

Whittaker, 41, of Palatine Road, Blackpool, admitted four offences of dishonestly failing to notify a change in circumstances.

He was sentenced to 24 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months, put on a three months curfew during which he must remain inside his home between 10pm and 6am, given 12 months supervision, and ordered to pay £50 costs.

Warren Spencer, prosecuting, said Whittaker's deception came to light when the Department of Work and Pensions and Blackpool Council launched a joint investigation into workers at the Hornby and the Parterre confectionery factories in Blackpool.

Whittaker illegally claimed a total of £32,785 in incapacity, housing and council tax benefits.

Mitch Sarangi, defending, said: "He appears to have used the extra funds he obtained to support his drug habit. He knows he has a drugs problem he has to deal with."