AN OLD Town man spent his girlfriend’s benefits on cocaine and alcohol, a court heard.

Aaron Rogan, 22, had arranged with his now former partner for her universal credit payments to go into his bank account. He would then transfer the money to her.

Prosecutor Ben Worthington said three lots of benefits payments had not found their way to the woman.

Interviewed by police, Rogan admitted failing to transfer payments made in April and May 2020 totalling around £660. He candidly said he’d spent the money on cocaine and alcohol.

Mark Glendenning, defending, said his client was already paying back the cash at a rate of £40 a week. He had no previous convictions.

Rogan, of Wood Street, Old Town, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation.

He was given a six month conditional discharge by magistrates and told to pay £107 in costs and surcharge.