A BLACKWOOD pensioner who dishonestly claimed more than £12,500 in benefits has avoided a prison sentence.

Calvin Hunt, aged 65, of Albany Road in Blackwood, pleaded guilty to dishonesty making a false statement in order to obtain benefit on October 15. He had been on bail.

Newport Crown Court heard on Monday how Hunt obtained £12,796.94 over the course of six years from a variety of benefit claims between 2008 and 2014.

These included income support, Jobseeker's Allowance, pension credit on behalf of his wife and occupational pension income that was never declared.

Hunt, who had no previous convictions, admitted to the offence in his first police interview.

Defending, Harold Baker, said: “I’ve spoken to him about the offence and he has told me he has done something wrong.

“I’m not entirely convinced he knows what he’s done wrong.”

Summing up, Judge Neil Bidder QC said: “You are a man of completely good character who’s now 65.

“From what I gather, you’re not in the best of health and that’s my distinct impression here.

“It’s the process of coming to court and losing your good character - that is the biggest punishment for you.”

Judge Bidder issued a conditional discharge for 12 months and if Hunt is to offend again, the case will be mentioned in court.

Judge Bidder also ordered a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing for the same court on March 4, but Hunt will not have to pay any costs or a victim surcharge before then.

A recoverable sum will represent the amount Hunt is able to pay, either through cash or through the sale of assets he possessed.

The money will be seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, which is the legislation allowing for the confiscation or recovery of proceeds generated through criminal activity.