A benefits cheat who raked in almost £170,000 in Universal Credit payments by "hijacking" the identity of 68 people could face jail.

James Stephen Barley, 37, who now has a legitimate job earning £700 per week, has been warned he could be jailed for making almost 160 dishonest benefit claims in three years.

Prosecutor Diane Jackson said the defendant, from Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, used the personal details of "numerous" people to lodge Universal Credit claims, requesting advanced payments. He pleaded guilty to three offences at Carlisle's Rickergate court.

The admitted fraud by false representation by submitting 157 fake claims to the Department for Work and Pensions when he "hijacked the identity" of others so he could pose as them to submit claims.

He also admitted making articles for use in fraud., including falsified tenancy agreements, mini statements, and bank letters about opened accounts. The final offence he admitted was acquiring criminal property - £169,045 of Universal Credit payments.

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All three offences were committed between December 18, 2018, and March 28, 2021. Prosecutor Ms Jackson said the high value of the fraud meant magistrates had insufficient powers to appropriately sentence the defendant.

Defence lawyer Geoff Lockerbie said since being released on police bail, he had been in work and had two treasured dogs.

"He would like to put his affairs in order before the inevitable conclusion to this at the crown court," said Mr Lockerbie.

"And we can all guess what that inevitable outcome may be. He has had this hanging over his head for 18 months. He has a good job, with an employer he respects and who respects him. He hopes to be able to return to that job. He is deeply apologetic and during his police interview in February last year he made full admission."

Barley will be sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on September 9.