A CREATIVE writing student's attempt to use his talents to swindle housing benefit have backfired.
Nicholas Harrison, 39, has been dubbed "an unpleasant man" by a judge, after he wrote a series of letters blaming others for his misdeeds, as he tried to explain falsely claiming benefits worth £9,229.52.
He penned his pleas for mercy after refusing to cooperate with the council's investigation and then failing to attend an initial hearing at Croydon Magistrates' Court.
A warrant was issued for his arrest and now Harrison, who wrongly claimed benefits while reading for a degree in creative writing and film studies at Kingston University, has been brought to book.
Harrison admitted failing declare that he was a full-time student, in receipt of a student loan and a student grant while living in Albert Road, South Norwood, between September 2009 and July 2013, and being in receipt of housing benefit.
He was sentenced to undertake 180 hours' unpaid community work; a tagged curfew between 10pm and 6am; and ordered to pay compensation of £9,149.52 and costs of £5,196.25.
Harrison, now of Leyton, east London, was also warned that if he did not comply with the order, he faced going to prison.
Passing sentence, his honour Judge John Tanzer said: "You are an unpleasant man. Not only did you know exactly what you were doing, but you have tried to wheedle your way out of it.
"You were eventually arrested, not even giving yourself up. Not content with that, you continued to write letters saying how it was other people's fault."
Speaking after the case, council leader Tony Newman said Harrison's conviction "should stand as a warning to anybody who thinks they can make fraudulent claims and get away with it."
