Quite a workout for a man who 'can barely walk': Benefits cheat, 71, filmed pumping iron at Wolverhampton gym
Striding on a treadmill for 50 minutes, lifting weights and walking downstairs - not bad for a man who claimed he could barely walk.
These undercover pictures show 71-year-old Paramjit Randhawa working out at a Black Country gym at the same time he was illegally pocketing thousands in benefits.
Randhawa, of Honor Avenue, Goldthorn Park, Wolverhampton, claimed £36,000 after telling the Department of Work and Pensions he had severe mobility problems, could only walk 10 metres before feeling severe discomfort and required a walking stick.
However, he was caught out after DWP investigators were tipped off about his improved health and then went undercover to film him working out at a gym at Wednesfield's Bentley Bridge Retail Park.
This week, Randhawa pleaded guilty to failing to notify the DWP about his change in circumstances. His illegal claims went on for more than two and a half years.
A DWP spokeswoman said: "Only a small minority of benefit claimants are dishonest, but cases like this show how we are rooting out the unscrupulous minority who are cheating the system and diverting taxpayers' money from those who really need it.
"We are determined to find those we suspect of abusing the welfare system by following up on tip-offs, undertaking surveillance and working with local councils. Deliberately not informing us of a change in your condition that may affect your claim is a crime.
"Don't wait for our fraud investigators to find you - tell us of a change now. If you suspect someone of fraudulently claiming benefits, then call our National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440."
The claim was legitimate when first made in 1995 and he was paid the top rate of incapacity living allowance for years. But he failed to tell the authorities when his various medical conditions significantly improved.
He pleaded guilty to the offence on Wednesday (DEC 2) when his trial was scheduled to start at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report and he was granted unconditional bail until the week commencing January 11, when full details of the crime will be outlined.
