Disabled benefits cheat sprung on Aldi alcohol shop after £32,000 DWP claim

A benefits cheat who claimed over £32,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help with his disabilities was caught while he was shopping for alcohol in Aldi. Michael Johnson claimed £32,368.70 in Personal Independence Payments that we was not entitled to.

He was sprung after being filmed in the supermarket, as part of a DWP investigation. The 69-year-old, who claimed he had limited mobility, pleaded guilty to fraud after being caught carrying furniture and loading beer into his car.

Johnson was caught on camera carrying a case of beer in Aldi and walking unaided to his local working men’s club. Surveillance footage also showed him loading a case of beer into his car and carrying furniture into a property, LancsLive reports.

READ MORE: Crime agency chief Nikki Holland struck off after misconduct hearing

READ MORE: The Boxing Day walk near Greater Manchester named among most popular in the UK

Johnson, of Lytham in Lancashire, appeared at Preston Crown Court where he was sentenced to four months in prison, which was suspended for 12 months. The DWP will now take steps to recover the money.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said: "Fairness is at the heart of our welfare system. If you are disabled and in need of a helping hand, we will be there for you. But we will not tolerate those who try to cheat the taxpayer.

"Cases like this are proof our crack down on benefit fraud is working – thanks to our expert teams we plan to save the taxpayer £1.3bn this year and make sure our help goes to those who need it most."