A man has been told he must stay in his house during the day after falsely claiming benefits of almost £9,000.

Didcot Magistrates’ Court heard Matthew Bowmer, of the Hawthorns, Abingdon, had received incapacity, housing and council tax benefits, while working as a scaffolder.

The 32-year-old was arrested after giving false information on a claim form for a discretionary hardship payment, which was spotted by benefit officers.

He was given a 120-day curfew order, preventing him from leaving his house between 7am and 7pm.

He admitted wrongfully claiming £2,252 in incapacity benefit, £6,020 in housing benefit and £619 in council tax benefit.

Bowmer had originally been unemployed and claimed incapacity payments due to anxiety and agoraphobia.

He was ordered to pay back the money to the Vale of White Horse District Council and the Department of Work and Pensions.

Jerry Patterson, the Vale’s executive member for finance, said: “Bowmer admitted his guilt and I hope he learns his lesson in future.”