Man facing sentence in fraud case collapses

A former Wyre Forest council election candidate collapsed in the dock as he was about to be sentenced for a £48,000 benefit fraud, requiring treatment.

Ambulance staff were called to Clive Parsons and after half an hour he was taken to hospital on a stretcher.

The case was adjourned following the drama in court three at Worcester Crown Court yesterday.

Parson, aged 64, of Cotswold Close, Birchen Coppice, Kidderminster, had pleaded guilty to obtaining £48,687 by false claims for disability living allowance, incapacity benefit and pension credit between April 2003 and July last year.

But he did not disclose that he was working part time as a doorman at Kidderminster Harriers Sports and Social Club and was earning up to £135 per week, said Mr Kevin Saunders, prosecuting for the Department of Work and Pensions.

Parsons also stood as a Liberal Democrat candidate in the Wyre Forest District Council elections for Sutton Park, Kidderminster,in 2006 and Lickhill ward, Stourport, in 2007.

Mrs Liz De-Oliveria, defending, said Parson realised that custody was almost inevitable.

Judge Richard Rundell said the sentencing would be delayed for several days.