A former mayor of Eastwood in Nottinghamshire has been convicted of disability benefit fraud.
Local publisher the Eastwood Advertiser reports that Brian Griffin, 76, had claimed that he was so disabled he could barely move. However, Mr Griffin was seen walking more than a mile in a Remembrance Sunday parade on Armistice Day in 2012.
On the day, benefit fraud investigators filmed the former mayor marching to lay a wreath at a war memorial, as part of his duties as Mayor of Eastwood.
When Mr Griffin had applied for disability benefits, he claimed that he “struggled to balance and was in danger of falling at any time”.
Nottingham Magistrates’ Court heard, however, that Griffin had carried out more than 130 duties as Mayor of Eastwood in just one year.
Between June 2009 and January 2013, he had received £13,448.95 in disability living allowance (DLA), after claiming that he was unable to walk further than 10 metres.
Mr Griffin had been injured after falling in 1997. He first claimed DLA in 2003, after being diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). He was awarded the highest level of DLA because of his limited movement.
However, despite his condition improving, he failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of the change in his circumstances, the court heard.
Chairman of the Bench, Chris Thompson, told Grififn:
“Having carefully considered all the evidence, we find you guilty.
“In claim forms in 2010 and 2012, you did put that your condition varies – but we do not feel that you explained fully that your walking is better than it was in 2003.
“In those claim forms you were evasive in your answers, you continued to be evasive in interview – and we felt again in your evidence today.
“We are going to ask for a report to be written on you – you will return here on August 21.”
Griffin denied one count of failing to promptly notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change of circumstances. He will be sentenced when he returns to court in August.
Duncan Lewis Benefit Fraud Solicitors
Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of benefit fraud solicitors and can advise at any stage of a charge for benefit fraud, including fraud charges relating to:
• Bedroom Tax
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• Disability living allowance
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• Jobseeker’s Allowance
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Duncan Lewis is also a leading firm of Legal Aid solicitors.
For expert legal advice on benefit fraud charges, contact Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors on 020 7923 4020.