Benefit cheat mum who could not ‘stand on the cooker’ busted by Facebook snaps

These are the revealing photos that exposed a benefits cheat mum “lied through [her] teeth”. She’s since been jailed for eight months.

Sara Morris claimed she was so physically impaired that she couldn’t even stand at the cooker, had balance issues and struggled to get out of the bath without help, all in an effort to receive Personal Independence Payment.

She also alleged that her anxiety was so severe that even a simple trip to the pharmacy to pick up her multiple sclerosis medication would reduce her to tears.

As a result of her claims, Morris was granted an ‘enhanced rate’ of PIP payment, which is typically only given to individuals who are wheelchair-bound or have no legs.

However, the 49-year-old was actively participating in 5km, 10km and even marathon running races. Her deceit was uncovered when she posted pictures of herself participating in these events on social media.

READ MORE: Doomed MH370 jet was flown into a ‘black hole’ by a ‘skilled pilot,’ experts claim

Get the latest news on the Daily Star homepage.

Photos on Facebook and Instagram showed Morris – a member of Stone Master Marathoners – cheerfully waving to a photographer during a race and taking a selfie, Stoke Live reports.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was told the mum-of-three who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005, blagged a staggering £2,292.63 a month in PIP by exaggerating her illness. The claimant scammed a total of £20,528.83 between October 20, 2020, and April 25, 2023 and has now been jailed to eight months behind bars.

Prosecutor Regan Walters Regan said: “The DWP obtained photographs of the defendant and some Facebook posts taken by Morris herself. She had been taking part in marathons, races and orienteering. The first photo was taken a month after she signed her initial claim form. The defendant can be seen to have been taking part on a competitive run two days prior to making that initial claim.”

The court was told that surveillance on Morris from February 5 to February 20, 2023, revealed quite the athletic streak. Mr Walters stated: “On February 5 she took part in a five-mile race and was seen running without assistance and showed no signs of balance problems. On February 11 she was seen running with the Stone Master Marathoners and showed no signs of discomfort.”

It emerged that Morris had taken part in a staggering 73 races between May 2019 and December 2022.

In her defence, Paul Cliff explained that Morris has been battling MS for 19 years and its severity varies. Mr Cliff acknowledged: “But it is accepted by her that the application did not give the full picture. It crossed over into the realms of dishonesty.”

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.

Recorder Judge Robert Smith said: “You told lies about the severity of your condition. You set out to defraud the taxpayer of significant sums of money and your lies meant you were awarded the enhanced rate. You were awarded the rate for somebody who cannot walk for one single metre. It is awarded to people who are wheelchair bound or have no legs at all.”

“You were regularly running and competing in organised running events. This was a planned, professional and deliberate fraud. You lied through your teeth and severely exaggerated your condition to receive payment.”

The court ordered that a proceeds of crime hearing is scheduled for November 25.