A man who pretended he didn’t know his own mother to claim thousands in benefits has been ordered to pay it back.

Hiren Patel, of Graham Road in Wealdstone, spent nearly four years claiming money as a ‘paying guest’ at his own home.

The 32-year-old even signed a letter claiming the two weren’t related when in fact, he jointly owned the residence with his mother.

The investigation by Harrow Council discovered that Mr Patel was compelled to support his mother and his wife and different residences as they didn’t get along.

He has been ordered to pay £5,353 in compensation, pay £1,000 towards prosecution costs, and a £60 victim surcharge.

Councillor Susan Hall, Leader of Harrow Council, said: “This is a disgraceful example of a dishonest man deliberately stealing valuable resources from people who really need them. We are determined to root out this criminal behaviour, on behalf of the taxpayers of Harrow, and the residents who legitimately need these benefits.”