Benefit fraudster not walking tall any more after tip-off
A MAN who claimed his walking was badly affected by an arthritic condition has pleaded guilty to benefit fraud worth almost £6,000.
Michael Davies was filmed walking normally by Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) investigators, despite claiming he could only walk 25 yards in five to 10 minutes due to spondylosis.
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The 53-year-old, from High Street, Rocester, was sentenced to 50 hours' unpaid community work and a 12-month community order at Burton upon Trent Magistrates' Court yesterday. He was also ordered to pay £100 costs, and will have to repay the £5,875 overpayment of benefit.
Davies had received the Higher Rate Mobility Allowance since 1996 because of his condition, during which time he was issued with letters instructing him to notify the DWP of any improvements in his walking ability.
But anonymous information was received that he was regularly to be seen walking briskly from his home to where he parked his work van 215 yards away.
He would then drive to the Stoke-on-Trent area, where he was working as a self-employed joiner.
In an interview under caution, Davies admitted that he had been able to walk "as a normal person" since April 2006.
His benefit was stopped and he was charged with benefit fraud for the period from April 2006 to October 2008.
DWP senior fraud investigator Sian Fellowes warned: "We are catching more and more of those who steal money intended for vulnerable people, and when we track them down they face heavy penalties."
If you suspect someone of benefit fraud, call the confidential National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440.
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8 Comments
by Paul, Devon
Wednesday, August 12 2009, 10:39AM
“The system sucks ,scum like him get away with it and now because of people like him the nasty government want to turn all DLA payments over to the social services and make them means tested.
This btw is being done on the quiet and is being denied and obfuscated by the thieving gits in parliament who have got away with stealing public money in the guise of 'expenses'.
My wife has spondylosis of the spine, arthritis and is profoundly deaf and still she has to fight for for every penny she receives.
I myself have HyperMobility Syndrome but this is not a recognised disability so I cannot claim, I could have lied at the various 'interviews' but my inherent honesty prevents me from exagerating my,at times, very painfull condition.”
by kelly, stoke
Tuesday, August 11 2009, 10:08PM
“because they make it difficult the ones in pain and suffering just cant face doing it,the ones that arent in pain find it easier obv they arent in pain arent stressed or worried they just want the money”
by Shergar, Stoke
Tuesday, August 11 2009, 8:42PM
“I too have spondylosis and degenerative changes in my lower back and am in great pain first thing in the morning. I go to work, as I have done every day for 30 years, yet have never claimed a bean, nor intend to.
I quite like the idea of a £6000 loan with an interest rate of £100 though? No great deterrent even with 50 hours voluntary work thrown in!
Ever likely people exploit 'the system'. I despair of this country and this sub-culture we seem so powerless to tackle, yet are so willing to embrace?
Meanwhile, genuine folk are continually declined DLA due to their honesty.”
by Rustinho, Silverdale
Tuesday, August 11 2009, 8:30PM
“...and then try to claim anything that you are entitled to and it's so difficult you wonder why you bother! How the hell do people end up being able to falsely claim when they make it so damn difficult for everyone?!”
by kelly, stoke
Tuesday, August 11 2009, 5:50PM
“people who suffer conditions like arthritis struggle to get any help esp if its in there hands,the way my mum was tested was if she could pick 2p up she failed the medical well she could pick it up not easily and not without pain but she picked it up she gets nothing.she struggles to hold things open things you name it but she just gets on with it like many other people do.this man makes me sick to use something thats meant to help you.”
by bertrand, right here
Tuesday, August 11 2009, 4:21PM
“Sorry had not read all of this article. Feel really stupid now.”
by bertrand, right here
Tuesday, August 11 2009, 4:19PM
“Who do you contact when you know someone is claiming and working. Any information would be much appreciated”
by Warren, Meir
Tuesday, August 11 2009, 9:21AM
“At least we got the cash back from this one, payed before his day in court the BBC said. They interviewed his wife, classic that was, 'They don't see him in the morning when I have to dress him,' she said, and up pops video of Mr. Davies enjoying a game of golf, on a jog down the road to his work van, briskly opening his garage door, all sorts. Lets face it, lots of us feel a bit cream crackerd some morning, most don't insist there partners helps them to get dressed and clame £6000 off the state. That 50 hour unpayed work, I'd make him run from job to job.”