Apprentice Tre Azam guilty of benefits scam

One of Sir Alan Sugar's favourites in The Apprentice last year, Tre Azam, has been convicted of a benefits scam and sentenced to 80 hours of community service. Azam was also ordered to pay costs of almost £7,000 by Chelmsford magistrates. He plans to appeal.

Tre Azam

Azam illegally pocketed more than £8,000 in housing and other benefits while running his consultancy firm.

Council snoops found that between October 2005 and August 2006 Azam failed to declare more than £12,000 of his £17,000 income from his business. He also kept a bank account secret from officials.

Azam swore at reporters as he left court in Chelmsford and then said: "I'll fight this. I'm innocent. I never intended to cheat."

Azam's lawyer said: "This is a travesty of justice."