A CLYDEBANK man has been spared a prison sentence after committing thousands of pounds worth of benefit fraud.

William McLaren, of Drumry Road, pleaded guilty to being concerned in fraudulent activity by obtaining £9,000 in tax credit payments between April 2012 and April 2015.

The 54-year-old failed to disclose his income to HM Revenue and Customs, meaning he was not eligible to receive the credits.

He was originally accused of stealing £20,907,22 along with his wife, but the Crown accepted his plea of guilty to obtaining the smaller sum.

His wife’s plea of not guilty to the charge was also accepted.

McLaren was sentenced at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Friday, February 15 after a background report was provided by social workers.

Solicitor Calum Weir, defending, said: “He was entitled to more than half the sum initially libelled. It has been an extremely difficult time.

“It has had a considerable strain upon them. He accepted he participated knowingly.

“He has suffered from bankruptcy and the collapse of his building business. He had been borrowing money from people he should have been paying.

“Technically the money was not his to take. Sub-contractors have now been paid and the bankruptcy matter has been discharged, but he has acted extremely unwisely.

“It may be he would have been entitled to the money had he correctly completed the forms, but he accepts he did knowingly falsely declare.

“It is my submission there is a reasonably minimal record, but I would submit there is a direct alternative to custody available.”

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry said: “I think it’s important that you recognise you committed an offence.”

McLaren was given a community payback order which will see him under supervision for one year.

He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.