A KATES Hill man who fiddled over £15,000 in benefits after failing to notify the authorities he owned a second home has been spared jail after paying back every penny.

Recorder Abigail Nixon told 52-year-old Mohammed Hussain people who illegally took money from the public purse normally spent time behind bars.

But she said Hussain - a man of previous good character - had expressed remorse for his actions and he had repaid the money he pocketed in full.

Hussain, of Lupin Road, admitted two charges of benefit fraud and he was given a 36 week jail term, suspended for a year.

He must also carry out 100 hours unpaid work.

"I am not going to send you to prison but you should be aware this is a serious offence," the recorder told Hussain at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

She said it was to his credit he had admitted his actions from the start, was genuinely sorry and knew he had brought shame on his family.

Laura Culley, prosecuting, said Hussain applied for benefits without revealing he also owned a £70,000 home in Watsons Green Road, Dudley, which he was renting out for £125 a week.

The recorder told him it was clear he also played a major role in the care of his children and they would suffer if he was sent to jail.