A single father yesterday admitted fraudulently obtaining almost £10,000 in benefits by not informing the authorities he was working as a kitchen porter.
Donald MacDougall, 39, of 69 Lundavra Road, Fort William, yesterday pleaded guilty at Fort William Sheriff Court to obtaining £5,061.73 in incapacity benefit to which he was not entitled between April 22, 2014, and June 16 last year by failing to declare his earnings.
He also admitted similar charges relating to £2,208.53 in income support between the same dates and £2,617.54 in housing benefit between May 26, 2014, and July 19 last year.
Hamish Melrose, representing MacDougall, said his client had been receiving various benefits for 13 years, including incapacity benefit because he had a drug problem and was still on a methadone programme.
Mr Melrose said MacDougall, who was a single parent, had taken seasonal employment as a kitchen porter at Crannog Seafood Restaurant in Fort William.
He added that his client had been cooperative and made a full admission when interviewed about the benefit fraud.
Sheriff Richard Davidson deferred sentencing MacDougall until April 26 for background reports.
