Bang to rights...disability cheat caught playing drum
– totalling £6,251.04 – until October 26 the following year.
She said: “We say this was a claim that was dishonest from the outset.
“She made the claim saying she was virtually unable to walk, needed attention to her leg three times during the day and prolonged attention during the night.
“In her claim she said she could only walk between 20 and 50 metres without getting out of breath.
“She said often she could not go outside her front door, or go to shops and supermarkets on her own. She said she could often not use shopping bags and felt anxious if people looked at her when she was outside. But information was received that she was a member of a marching band and regularly took part in lengthy and complex routines.”
Miss Bickley said Vessey, of Little Eaton, Derbys. was watched by DWP investigators. “Three times she was observed marching in the band with a drum strapped to her shoulder. There were no limitations on her mobility,” she said.
Vessey was a member of the band which has entertained at carnivals, parades and events for more than 80 years. In that time, it has won almost every major trophy at competitions. When Vessey was interviewed she initially insisted her claim was genuine and her condition was getting worse. But she later pleaded guilty to one count of fraud.
Peter Jones, for Vessey, said his client had lost her husband “relatively recently” and is currently jointly claiming employment support allowance with a new partner.
He said: “This lady feels great shame that she is before the court.”
District Judge Jonathan Taaffe also ordered Vessey to pay £85 costs, an £85 victim surcharge and handed her a 10-week curfew, confining her to her home between 7pm and 7am.