A man has received a two year suspended sentence after falsely claiming £24,000 in benefits. Anthony Joyce, 29, of Red Bridge Hollow in South Hinksey, was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison on 1 April 2016 after admitting four charges relating to his benefit claims. Joyce, who was prosecuted as part of a joint operation between the Vale of White Horse District Council, the Department of Work and Pensions, and the Crown Prosecution Service, was also prosecuted for fraudulently asking for help paying his council tax as he failed to disclose his income from dealing scrap metal between 2012 and 2014. Mr Joyce was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80, costs of £220 to the district council, and £150 to the Crown Prosecution Service. He also received a nine month supervision order. Councillor Matthew Barber, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council and cabinet member for finance, said: “This case goes to show that benefit fraudsters will be caught and prosecuted. It’s absolutely inexcusable for people to falsely claim benefits – plainly put, it’s a huge misuse of hardworking taxpayers’ money and that simply isn’t acceptable.” If you suspect that someone you know is committing benefit fraud, call the district council on 01235 540330 – you do not have to give your name.