A Bristol city councillor has appeared in court over a £3,000 benefits fraud. 

Labour councillor Simon Crew, who represents Brislington East, appeared at North Somerset Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Crew, 34, is accused of receiving carers allowance benefit that he was not entitled to totalling £3,554.

He pleaded not guilty to failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) of a change in circumstances which would affect his entitlement to benefits or other payments.

Crew also pleaded not guilty to receiving earnings in excess of the prescribed limits while in receipt of benefit.

Both offences are alleged to have taken place between May 28, 2007, and October 12, 2008.

He is due to stand trial at North Somerset Magistrates' Court on December 7.

Crew, of Eastwood Road, St Anne's, was accompanied to court by his wife, who is due to give birth in January.