A benefits cheat failed to declare more than £60,000 of savings as he continued to claim income support, a court heard.

Umesh Mohindra, of Saffron Road, South Wigston, ended up pocketing £30,827 he was not entitled to over five years.

The 53-year-old was given an 18-week jail sentence, suspended for two years, with 12 months of supervision.

He was also placed on a four-month night-time curfew, which means he must stay indoors between the hours of 9pm and 6am.

Registered disabled, he was said to be unfit to do unpaid work due to ill health, including epilepsy.

Sarah Jane Solomon, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court that Mohindra originally legitimately claimed income support in 1997, but by 2002 he had £20,000 in three difference accounts.

His investments grew to £62,000 by the time he was charged.

The defendant admitted dishonestly failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a change in his circumstances.

The court was told that Mohindra, who has two university degrees, was making arrangements to repay the amount.

When questioned, he told investigators he had not fully understood how the benefits system worked.

Recorder James Burbidge QC said: "You've committed a significant benefit fraud over a long period of time when you were amassing substantial assets you knew you were obliged to disclose.

"It's pitiful to see a man of your education and intellect saying you didn't understand the benefits system."

The court was told that if he does not voluntarily pay the money back within two weeks, then there will be a proceeds of crime hearing to formally seize the cash.

Paul Prior, in mitigation, said: "He's disabled and claims benefits as a right, and that's not means tested."