A man has admitted benefit fraud totalling £11,897 after he failed to declare £30,000 in earnings.

Paul Robinson, of Laburnum Avenue, in Pulrose, admitted selling coins on online selling site eBay which he did not declare to the Department of Health and Social Care.

The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to 10 counts of making a false representation to obtain a benefit.

Prosecutor Richard Butters told the court how Robinson had been receiving benefits since January 2017, which was a joint claim for Employed Persons Allowance with his partner Toni Milligan, aged 36, of the same address.

Trader

However, on November 15, 2018, information was received by social security saying that Robinson was doing additional work as a self-employed eBay trader selling Manx coins.

His eBay account was investigated and showed him being involved in many auctions which had resulted in payments to him of just short of £30,000.

When interviewed, he admitted failing to declare the earnings.

He said: ’I’m glad this has all come out.’

He told police that his partner had no idea what he had been doing.

Defence advocate Andrew Baker asked Magistrates for a probation report to be completed on his client before sentencing.

The court heard that Ms Milligan is also charged with 10 counts of making a false representation to obtain a benefit.

Prosecutor Mr Butters said that he would speak to the social security department to discuss whether the case against her should proceed.

The case against Robinson was adjourned until March 21.

He was granted bail in the sum of £500.