A divorced couple still living together were revealed as benefit cheats when surveillance had been carried out, a court heard on Wednesday.

Leslie Jones, 60, fiddled £28,600 in disability benefit during a ten-year period after he failed to tell the Department for Work and Pensions that his health had improved and he had started work with DHL, magistrates at Llandudno were told.

James Neary, prosecuting, said he had indicated he had difficulties walking. “I don’t know when my legs will give way,” Jones, of Ffordd Ty Newydd, Prestatyn, had claimed to the DWP. “I don’t go out much on my own.”

A six months suspended jail term was imposed and he must pay £200 costs.

Rebecca Boswell, defending, said he had repaid £2,000 so far. He wore a back brace and drove for a living. A jail term would cost him his job.

He admitted the offence.

Julia Jones, 61, was fined £40 with £115 costs. She admitted dishonestly telling Denbighshire council she didn’t have a partner, to obtain housing and council tax benefit. The prosecution said £7,500 was overpaid.

Miss Boswell said the claim wasn’t fraudulent from the outset and £2,800 had been repaid.

“She is extremely remorseful and very unlikely to be back before this court again,” the lawyer added.