The pub singer did not declare his earnings despite previous warnings

The 49-year-old was wrongly paid almost £2,000 in benefits

A singer from Onchan, who did not declare working in bars and pubs while receiving benefits, was referred to a probation officer.

Stewart Gray, of The Park, received almost £2,000 in advance payment to taxpayers which he was not entitled to between May and September last year.

The 49-year-old was paid in cash for several appearances at Douglas clubs but did not inform the Treasury that he was making money.

He later pleaded guilty to two offenses of making false statements to obtain an advantage.

During sentencing at Douglas Courthouse, the court heard that Gray was under investigation for a similar offense in August 2022, when he received an overpayment of £2,910; for this he received an official warning.

Gray’s lawyer told the court: “He now realizes that his singing and music career are over.”

Imposing a 12-month probation period, Deputy Senior Bailiff Rachael Braidwood told him: “You would be under no illusions as to what was required of your statements.”

Gray was also ordered to pay the costs of the proceedings; the court was told that the Treasury would have to recover the overpayment of £1,908 through civil proceedings.