A PRIZE-WINNING angler received more than £45,000 in state benefits by claiming that she was too ill to get out of bed when in reality she was flying off to destinations around the world to catch enormous marlin fish.

Heather Rimmer was labelled a “globe-trotting granny” by a judge who heard how she flew to exotic oceans to reel in the giant fish.

Unknown to angling fans, the 61-yearold had told the Department for Work and Pensions that a trapped nerve left her unable to work or dress herself.

She claimed income support from 2006 until 2013, insisting she could not bend or turn and needed help to undress herself, Carlisle Crown Court heard. But DWP investigators, acting on a tip-off, carried out surveillance and watched her getting in and out of a car as well as walking through supermarkets with bags of heavy shopping.

Prosecutor Tim Evans said Rimmer enjoyed her fame in the fishing community and appeared in several newspaper articles about her big catches.

He added: “She was an ex-champion and prize-winning angler.

“She was reported as having landed a 447lb blue marlin when representing west Cumbria in an international competition.”

Rimmer, of Beckermet, near Egremont, Cumbria, remained an accomplished angler even after she began claiming benefits. David Birrell, defending, said Rimmer admitted benefit fraud but stressed that she still did have genuine health and mobility problems.

However, Judge Paul Batty QC told her: “Any angler would be extremely envious of the catches you made. You were living the life of Riley for a significant length of time.

“It is clear you were a champion angler and a globe-trotting granny, and had been over many years. You won’t be going out bass fishing in the evening because, in addition to the other orders, I will make you subject to a night curfew.”

Judge Batty handed Rimmer a 12month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, and imposed a six-month curfew.