A Kingston councillor is being prosecuted over alleged benefit fraud.

Former Liberal Democrat councillor Tim Dennen will be taken to court by Kingston Council following a two year investigation.

The allegations relate to benefit claims made between 2008 and 2010.

Coun Dennen stepped down as a member of the Liberal Democrat party and as chairman of the Kingston neighbourhood committee shortly before the investigation was announced in April 2012.

He has represented the Canbury ward as an independent councillor ever since.

A council spokesman said: “Kingston Council is taking legal action against one of its members, Councillor Tim Dennen, in relation to a number of instances of alleged Council Tax benefit fraud.

"The alleged frauds took place between 2008 and 2010 and relate to making false statements or representations with a view to obtaining benefits and failing to notify changes in his circumstances.

“The council will not be making any further public comment as the matter is now being dealt with by the court.”

In the 2010 council election he won 2,469 votes - more than any of the other candidates in the Canbury ward.