American jailed over £ 45,000 benefits scam

An American has been jailed after admitting to a £ 45,000 benefit scam.

US citizen Robert Hopkins told the Department for Work and Pensions and council bosses he lived with his wife, but that she had no income, allowing him to claim pension credit, and housing and council tax benefits.

However, in reality she had a £ 33,000 - a- year job with Angus Council – part of which involved her advising clients with their benefits claims.

Hopkins carried on his scam for almost three years, claiming £ 15,000 a year in handouts.