Former Rogue Traders presenter Dan Penteado has been sentenced to 12 weeks in jail after being found guilty of benefit fraud.

Penteado fronted the consumer interest show from 2008 and 2012 and was paid over £56,000 for his efforts. During that time, though, he continued to claim housing and council tax benefits amounting to over £24,000.

His solicitor stated that Penteado was trying to ‘not interrupt the flow of housing benefit’. Not a great defence, is it?

The cabinet member for planning and environment, Councillor David Smith, said: “The amount of money stolen in this case is truly shocking. We are pleased that Mr Penteado has now been successfully prosecuted and brought to justice. The council will not tolerate benefit fraud and will always take action to ensure public funds are protected from abuse and available to support the most vulnerable in society. Anyone committing benefit fraud should expect to be investigated and action to be taken.”