Cartoon creator accused of dole fraud

The creator of the popular children’s TV character Rastamouse has denied being a benefits cheat. Michael de Souza, 64, denied two counts of dishonestly failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions of income arising from his work as an author. Trinidad-born De Souza, who appeared in court wearing a light blue three-piece suit and traditional rastacap, created the well-known musical mouse in 2003. The show follows the crime busting mouse and members of reggae band Da Easy Crew,…