A 44-YEAR-OLD fraudster who falsely claimed £811.93 has been sentenced to a three-month curfew restricting the hours he is allowed out of his home.

Yogalingam Dayanamby, from Northolt Road, south Harrow, has to wear an electronic tag and cannot leave his home between 9am and 3pm.

Over three years, Dayanamby falsely claimed council tax benefit after failing to declare he owned a second property.

He claimed that an earlier accident had left him unemployed and financially stretched.

After he was caught out he pleaded guilty to two offences.

It marked the fifth successful prosecution by Harrow Council's fraud team since April, with a further 50 cases pending.

Cllr Paul Osborn, portfolio holder for strategy and business support, said: "We simply can't afford to let individuals defraud the council of resources when they have the financial means to pay their way.

"There has been an increase in fraudulent claims in recent years but we have met that with an increase in prosecutions.

"The new voice recognition analysis that is currently assessing claims is another tool to deter fraudsters."

If you suspect someone of committing fraud, telephone the fraud hotline on 020 8424 1644 or email fraud@harrow.gov.uk