A Glasgow great-grandfather claimed £12,000 of benefits unlawfully over 12 years.

Joseph Ralph, 79, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court after previously pleading guilty to obtaining the pension credit he was not entitled to.

He signed and dated the documents on January 13, 2006, under the declaration that the answers were truthful and that any changes would be raised with the DWP.

In them, he stated that his wife had ended her employment and that the accused was not working, however, his wife was employed part-time.

Payments were made to him until July 7, 2018.

Ralph, from Pollok, accepted that he knowingly made a false statement or representation that neither he nor his wife were paid remunerative employment with the truth being that his wife was in paid remunerative employment.

In court, his lawyer said: "He signed and dated the form that had been completed by his wife who was in part-time employment.

"She was working under 16 hours a week as a cleaner. She had advised him because she was working under 16 hours he did not have to make the declaration on the form.

"It's accepted that when asked whether there was any other income, the box saying 'no' was ticked."

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Ralph has been making repayments of £30 a week and around £6,000 has been prepared so far. 

His lawyer added: "This is a man who was working and contributed to society. He is a father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

"He enjoys spending time with his family. He would be in a position to pay a financial penalty."

Sheriff Bernard Ablett fined Ralph £500.