Acocks Green benefits cheat Anthony Cleverley claimed £15,000

Apr 10 2009 by Adam Aspinall, Birmingham Mail

As far back as June 1998, he stated he was incapable of work but no longer required the use of his wheelchair, although he still used a stick and was limited to short distances on a good day.

He also claimed in November 1998 that he still required help throughout the day with his personal care and was only able to walk 20 metres before stopping, although on a good day he was able to go around the supermarket holding a trolley.

Last night Mr Cleverley was unavailable for comment but he is just the latest benefit cheat to be highlighted by the Birmingham Mail.

In 2007 we told the story of Brian Rogers, 57, who was sent to prison for three months after claiming £9,000 in benefits, even though he was a regular golfer.

And in 2005 we revealed how ‘Karate Kidder’ Kevin O’Connor, 48, claimed incapacity benefit for a bad back while still working as a martial arts instructor.

Surveillance showed him walking, running, lifting, kneeling, standing and crouching. He was even observed demonstrating falls and throws during a karate session.

Around 70 per cent of the people investigated by the West Midlands fraud team end up being prosecuted.

Anyone with information should call the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440.