A COUNCIL worker has appeared before court charged with benefit fraud.

Floyd Peltier, of Raw Nook Road, Salendine Nook, is alleged to have claimed council tax benefit from Kirklees Council while he worked for Barnsley Council.

Peltier, representing himself, asked for the case to be transferred to Bradford Crown Court and for it to be decided by a jury.

The prosecution allege that Peltier was over-paid £1,293.53.

He entered a not guilty plea to the charge when he appeared before magistrates yesterday.

He says he notified the Job Centre of his change in circumstances and that the prosecution have made a mistake.

He will re-appear before magistrates for committal to Bradford Crown Court on June 22.

The case against Mr Peltier was later dropped after he agreed to pay back the money and accepted an administrative penalty