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A benefits fraudster who falsely claimed disability payments for years was caught after posting pictures of himself working as a dog-walker on social media.
Colin Sage, 52, started claiming legitimately in 2014 after suffering two debilitating strokes which he said left him unable to walk more than 100 metres without a stick.
But he failed to tell authorities that his condition had drastically improved in 2015, netting an extra £24,673.92 over the following three-and-a-half years.
He also claimed in 2016 that he was still suffering from the same symptoms he described in his initial claim, including struggling to use the right side of his body and needing his wife to help him eat.
In the meantime he had started a dog-walking business, would regularly go cycling, and took walking holidays in the Lake District and China.
Investigators sussed out the ruse after he posted photos online of him walking dogs in the snow and up steep hills, as well as holiday snaps.
Surveillance on his home later confirmed he was taking dogs for walks and going for bike rides.
Meanwhile the former Royal Mail manager had been receiving money to his bank account for a dog-walking business.
In a hearing earlier this year Mr Sage admitted to failing to notify about a change of circumstances affecting his Personal Independence Payments between November 2015 and May 2019, and to making a false statement to obtain benefits.
On Thursday a judge at Chelmsford Crown Court handed him a seven-month jail sentence suspended for two years.
Mr Sage must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £300 in legal costs. He has repaid £800 of his misclaimed benefits but could have to pay back the full amount.
Mr Sage’s defence lawyer said his client was still poorly but remorseful, adding: ‘He is thoroughly ashamed of himself. He was aware of his obligation to mention any change in circumstances.
‘It is right to say he did recover to some extent and following the improvements in his health he should have said so – all he can do is apologise.’
Judge David Turner QC criticised him for refusing to sell one of two properties he owns in order to repay his debt.
The judge added: ‘Your deception was mean-spirited and shameful. This con went on for three-and-a-half years and was motivated not out of need, but out of greed.
‘You say you are remorseful but I would believe you more if you had made serious moves to pay some of this money back.’
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