Ryan Scott, 39, from Torquay, Devon, claimed PIP disability benefits after saying a workplace accident left him unable to do basic tasks like lifting a pan or walk more than 20 metres
A benefits fraudster who claimed he was “too weak” to lift a phone was busted running a 10k and scaling scaffolding. Ryan Scott, 39, had been pocketing disability benefits after convincing authorities that a workplace accident had left him so incapacitated he couldn’t perform simple tasks like lifting a pan or walking more than 20 metres.
However, an anonymous tip led DWP sleuths to unearth photos of him crossing the finish line of a 10k race and bank statements revealing he’d resumed paid plastering work. Surveillance operatives subsequently filmed Scott climbing ladders, hauling heavy gear and plastering walls with apparent ease.
The court heard that he had wrongfully claimed over £7,600 in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and was sentenced on Thursday to a community order and fine.
He faced charges after failing to inform the Department for Work and Pensions that his condition had improved to such an extent that he could complete a gruelling running race.
Following the event, officials conducted a surveillance operation spanning several days and captured footage of Scott, a plasterer by trade, labouring on a construction site.
Exeter Magistrates Court was told that while he initially claimed legitimate benefits, his health and mobility had improved around May 2023, and then on 22 June 2023, he forked out an entry fee to participate in a 10k race – which he completed a month later.
Surveillance was carried out over several days in March 2024, during which he was recorded performing activities that “contradicted his claim,” the magistrates were informed.
The accused, hailing from Torquay, Devon, neglected to inform of the change in circumstances and his benefits continued to be automatically transferred to his Monza account, the court was told.
Following an investigation, his claim was reassessed and it was determined that he was not eligible for the benefit from 31 May 2023 until 7 April 2024 – resulting in an overpayment of £7,625.68.
Fraud investigators revealed that Scott informed them he had felt fit enough to contemplate a 10k over improving in the gym but admitted it had “not been done with ease.”
He said: “It took a long time for me to do and I was in bed for two weeks afterwards.”
His initial claim was approved after he reported difficulties preparing food, lifting pans from the oven, opening twist top lids and claimed it was painful to sit upright.
He stated he was “too weak” to lift a phone and struggled being outside for more than a few minutes.
He also alleged he was unable to plan a journey or walk more than 20m without assistance.
Addressing the court, Scott expressed to magistrates: “I would like to apologise for any trouble I have caused to anyone.
“At the time I was taking a lot of medication. I slipped into deep depression.
“I was going back to work but was not completely able to do it. I was getting picked up by a friend and taken in. It was more to try and pull me out of a deep hole.
“I did not think at the time what I was doing. I was not in a good place. It was unintentional and I would like to apologise for that.”
The magistrates stated there was “no reason” to doubt his claim was false from the beginning and noted he had no relevant prior convictions.
He received a 15-day community order and was ordered to pay a fine, costs and victim surcharge totalling £360.
The court was informed that he had already begun repaying the money to the DWP.
Following the sentencing, a DWP spokesperson commented: “Benefit fraud is not a victimless crime – it steals money from the people who need it most.
“Whatever your reasons for cheating the system, know that our investigators are wise to every trick in the book and we will find you.
“So, if you know someone is playing the system, turn them in.”