A small question of ability
From the
UK Lancashire Evening Post:
Ex-mayor played golf while on disability benefit
A former mayor who claimed disability allowance saying he needed help to wash and dress was an active member of a local golf club and helped his son on a paper round, a court was told.
John McGowan, ex Mayor of Clitheroe, was also seen by a witness "running from door-to-door" with newspapers during his son's paper round.
Preston Crown Court heard that McGowan, described as an "active Labour councillor" began claiming disability living allowance, initially legitimately, in 1992.
"The defendant said he was virtually unable to walk without mobility aids and assistance," said Miss Teresa Loftus on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.
"He claimed he needed help when washing, dressing and taking medication."
However, she explained, the Department's case was that from at least April of 2004 he had made "significant improvements in his capabilities".
The offence he admitted occurred over a two-and-a-half year period, the court heard.
McGowan had claimed his condition had actually worsened and he was placed on a higher rate of benefit.
But an anonymous phone call was received on the National Benefits hotline in March last year and investigations by the Department began which included surveillance.
"A wealth of information was gained", explained Miss Loftus.
He was seen regularly walking without difficulty, driving, shopping and playing golf at Stonyhurst Golf Club.
Whoops... When the 'dole' becomes so easy for everyone to get, everyone will try to get it. One of the unintended consequences of socialism.
Posted by DaveH at July 5, 2007 10:41 PM