Tre Azam charged with benefit fraud

Apprentice star Tre Azam has been charged with falsely claiming housing and tax benefits.

Epping Forest Council's fraud team accused Azam of receiving £7,500 in benefits while working for marketing consultancy firm IDMM Ltd.

The 29-year-old, who finished third in the 2007 series of Sir Alan Sugar's reality show, began claiming benefits legally in August 2004 when he was unemployed.

Council investigators said Azam never disclosed his earnings at IDMM between October 2005 and August 2006.

He is also accused of using bank accounts in the names of family members without informing them.

"He used them to pay his mobile bill, his car insurance as well as everyday items such as food and clothing," said prosecutor Giles Atkinson.

Azam denies the charges. The case resumes this Friday.