AN Enfield man who bought a two-bedroom flat with £30,000 claimed in illegal benefits has been ordered to do community service.

Michael Fadaka, of Stoneleigh Avenue, started claiming benefits in October 2003 while a student, racking up more than £30,000 in housing allowance, council tax benefit, and income support.

He concealed that he had bought a house, claiming instead to be renting and came up with bogus tenancy contracts which he handed to Enfield Council.

The 30-year-old was rumbled when his student loan payments were uncovered, and he was brought before Wood Green Crown Court on June 3.

Fadaka was given a 12 month suspended jail term and ordered to carry out 240 hours of community service.

Councillor Andrew Stafford, in charge of finance at the council, said: “It would sicken most hardworking people to know Fadaka had fleeced tens of thousands of pounds off the public purse while they struggle to make ends meet.”