£500k fake paralysis fraudster is sent to prison
A BENEFITS fraudster who pretended to be quadriplegic to claim half a million pounds in handouts was jailed for three-anda-half years yesterday.
Brian Matthews, 51, told officials for 15 years he had no use of his arms or legs – before being spotted pushing his wife in a wheelchair.
He admitted fraudulently claiming £250,000.
But with further charges left on file, the total cost of the scam was twice that, at £509,000, said Dave Morris of the Department of Work and Pensions.
Truro crown court previously heard Matthews, of Penzance, Cornwall, convinced doctors he was disabled without being properly tested. Mr Morris added: “There were documents provided that were false.” Prosecutors described him as “incredibly manipulative”.
After the hearing, Mr Morris, said: “It is a good result.
“Benefit relief should go to those people that need them.”