Gym Goer Faked Disability for £25k Benefits

Helen Green, a 49-year-old woman from Shrewsbury, has been sentenced to seven months in prison for benefit fraud. She falsely claimed over £25,000 in Personal Independence Payments (PIP) between January 2020 and March 2023.

Green had informed the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that she suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis in all her joints and a slipped disc, conditions she described as lifelong and progressive. She claimed these ailments left her housebound and reliant on crutches, requiring assistance with daily living activities like bathing and eating.

However, an investigation triggered by a tip-off revealed Green was actively participating in a running club, completing 10k races, and regularly attending a gym. CCTV footage captured her engaging in various fitness classes, including Zumba, body combat, body pump, core blast, and spin. Her deception was presented as a significant betrayal of public trust.

Despite an initial accusation of falsely claiming £42,013, Green pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to declare a change in her circumstances, relating to the £25,244 she fraudulently obtained. Prosecutors highlighted the strong evidence compiled by the DWP, which led to her guilty plea. Officials condemned the fraud as an insult to genuine benefit claimants and taxpayers.