A BENEFIT fraudster who illegally claimed more than £16,000 has been ordered to do 240 hours' community service.

Justin Emmanuel, of Charlton Road, Blackheath, claimed the housing and council tax benefit between July 2001 and October last year.

But the 35-year-old failed to declare he was a student who received more than £15,000 in loans and student grants.

Emmanuel pleaded guilty to six charges of benefit fraud at Woolwich Crown Court.

Greenwich Council leader Councillor Chris Roberts says he hopes the punishment "serves as a warning" to other would-be benefit fraudsters.

He added: "People who do this are stealing money from taxpayers which could be spent on vital services.

"We take this issue very seriously and will continue to target those who cheat the system."