A Harrogate man has admitted to fraudulently claiming benefits over an almost four-year period.

Myles Gotting, 39, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (March 12) when he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Prosecutor Alison Whiteley told the court Gotting was claiming universal credit on the basis he was living at a rented property and had little-to-no savings.

However, Gotting failed to disclose to the Department for Work and Pensions that he and his partner had bought a property on October 17, 2022, which he moved into, and had £25,000 in savings. 

Ms Whiteley said when Gotting put in a claim for universal credit in 2023, he claimed he had “no savings and was living in a rented house”.

The offence took place between August 23, 2020, and March 23, 2024, but Ms Whiteley said his receiving universal credit "was not fraudulent from the outset". 

It's believed Gotting falsely received £15,145 in benefits.

Gotting, of Butterbur Way, has 46 offences on his record, but was last in court in 2010.

Defendant is paying money back

Sean Wilson, defending, told the magistrates Gotting admitted the offence at the first opportunity in court.

Mr Wilson gave little mitigation during the hearing as he requested the case be adjourned for a pre-sentence report.

However, he said Gotting is currently re-paying the money through a debt management plan and is self-employed.

Mr Wilson added the defendant has suffered two heart attacks and is due to have a heart by-pass this year.

The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report until May 8, when Gotting will be sentenced at Harrogate Magistrates Court.

He was released on unconditional bail.