A MAN has been sentenced for dishonestly claiming benefits.
Paul Rutherford (59), of Castle Road, Prudhoe, pleaded guilty at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court last Thursday to two charges of dishonestly failing to notify change of circumstances affecting social security entitlement.
The court heard he had failed to inform Northumberland County Council and the Department for Work and Pensions that his wife had started work which would have affected his claim for housing and employment support. He was given a six-month conditional discharge for each charge, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20.

THE case of a man accused of attempted burglary has been sent to crown court.
David Linden Wright (25), of Wydon Park, Hexham, pleaded not guilty last Thursday at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court to the attempted burglary of a house in Queen’s Way, in Hexham.
He will stand trial at Newcastle Crown Court on January 7.

A MOTORIST accused of getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs will appear in court in the new year.
Michael Johnson (29), of Woodside, Darras Hall, was due to appear at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court in Bedlington last Thursday after being accused of the offence which allegedly took place on Blagdon Lane, in Cramlington, on June 15.
It is alleged he had traces of cannabis in his blood stream while he was driving.
Johnson is due to appear at the court on January 9.