An artist who was claiming council housing and tax benefits and job seekers' allowances admitted at Truro's magistrates' court that he had committed fraud, by failing to disclose that he had been working for three employers during the relevant period.

Timothy Crowley, aged 42, of Goldenbank, Falmouth, pleaded guilty to three offences of benefit fraud on dates between 2009-2012 at Penryn.

Gail Hawkley, for the CPS, said he had claimed benefits on the grounds that he was not working and had no other income and because of this was overpaid £2,917.32.

It was then discovered that during the time he was receiving the payments he had worked for Merlin Cinemas, Falmouth Town Council and the Royal Cornwall Museum.

He had no previous convictions.

Crowley told the magistrates he was sorry and had been working hard as an artist, wanting to repay the money he owed as fast as he could.

He gave the magistrates a written statement which he said described what was going through his mind at the time and the stress he was under. He also included references.

The case was adjourned for a probation report.