A Shrewsbury benefits cheat who fraudulently claimed £25,000 by pretending to be housebound has been jailed after being caught on camera running a 10k race and attending demanding gym classes. Helen Green, 49, told benefits assessors she could barely walk 50 metres unaided, but investigators uncovered evidence of her participating in high-intensity workouts and organised running events.
Deception Uncovered
Green had been receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) after claiming she suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis in every joint and a slipped disc. However, footage obtained by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed her attending Body Combat, Zumba, body pump, and spin classes at Shrewsbury Sports Village. She was also a member of the Shropshire Shufflers running club and completed three 10k races in 2020 and 2021, with one finished in just over an hour.
Court Proceedings
At Shrewsbury Crown Court on 19 May, Green admitted one count of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting her benefit entitlement. She was sentenced to seven months in prison. Judge Trevor Meegan described her claim that she was a 'social walker' in the races as 'laughable' and said her physical activity indicated 'substantial physical ability'.
The judge noted that Green's offending spanned three years and involved repeated failures to disclose improvements in her condition, even claiming her condition was worsening. He emphasised that a deterrent message was necessary and refused to suspend the sentence.
Prosecution Evidence
Prosecutor Harry Dickens told the court that Green had been correctly awarded PIP in 2016 for legitimate conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and knee problems. However, between 2020 and 2023, she failed to inform the DWP of improvements in her health. Investigators found she had taken part in 10k races in Market Drayton, Shawbury, and Shrewsbury. When interviewed, Green denied running and claimed she had walked the routes.
Footage also showed her carrying her own shopping bags, despite telling officials she needed assistance. In 2021, she told the DWP her condition had worsened, stating she faced difficulties preparing food and dressing. In December 2022, she claimed she needed a crutch and could not walk more than 50 metres. Dickens described these claims as 'remarkable' given the physical activity she was undertaking.
Defence and Sentencing
Kevin Jones, defending, said Green had no previous convictions, was of exemplary character, and had already repaid £2,000. He argued that she suffered from lifelong conditions and that the issue was not declaring her 'good days'. He urged the court to suspend the sentence, citing her low risk of reoffending. However, the judge concluded that a suspended sentence would not reflect the gravity of the offence.
Official Reactions
Minister for Transformation Andrew Western stated: 'This is a slap in the face to taxpayers and genuine claimants who depend on PIP. Helen Green wasn't just burning calories at the gym, she was also peddling lies. Let this be a warning – you can't outrun the DWP.' Mandy Tobias of the Crown Prosecution Service added: 'Green pretended she had limited movement but was a regular runner and active in gym classes. She did this for her own greed.'
