Baldy the Clown is benefits cheat

He is known to children across the Midlands as Baldy the Clown, the man in a jazzy suit and oversized red shoes who tells jokes and shapes balloons.

But today the man behind the act, children's entertainer Kevin Davies, says his career is in tatters after he was convicted of benefit fraud.

The 44-year-old was caught pocketing the money he earned from children's parties while also claiming almost £5,000 in income support that he wasn't entitled to.

Dressed more soberly in a white shirt and black trousers, he admitted in court to failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions that he was working as a clown between October 2008 and October 2009.

Catherine McTigue, prosecuting, told Wolverhampton Magistrates Court that his unlawful payments added up to £4,777.

Davies said after his appearance: "I'd built up a good reputation as a clown - now it's in tatters.

"I've worked for several charities, including Compton Hospice. I just made a mistake."

The court was told that behind his cheerful persona as Baldy, Davies had money problems and had borrowed money from loan sharks.

John Roe, defending, said: "They were less than reputable people who wanted their money back quickly and put him under pressure."

Davies, of Cannock Road, Wednesfield, admitted benefit fraud. The court heard he was paying back the overpayment at the rate of £10 a week.

District judge Graham Wilkinson rebuked him for "working as a children's entertainer whilst stealing from the taxpayer".

He told him: "The court will not tolerate those who regard the public purse as an extra income.

"You were at this for a while and it was a relatively large sum of money."

Ordering him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, Mr Wilkinson suggested Davies continue acting the clown, telling him: "Maybe the probation service can put your skills to good use."

Davies, who covered children's parties, after-school clubs and council-run events around the region, was also told to pay prosecution costs of £100.