A Department for Work and Pensions cheat who claimed she was too ill to wash or dress herself has been exposed after being filmed pulling pints in a pub. Tina Farnsworth, 57, fraudulently obtained £37,089 in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) by exaggerating her health problems, Sheffield Crown Court heard.
How the Fraud Was Uncovered
Farnsworth told the DWP she was too sick to prepare food, wash, dress herself, mix with people, drive, or walk more than 50 metres without assistance. However, an anonymous tip-off led investigators to footage showing her working behind the bar at Pour House 22 and Black Velvet Bar in Barnsley. The video captured her lifting heavy items, reaching for glasses, and loading her car.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
Prosecutor Dale Harris said Farnsworth played an “active role” by “taking orders, serving drinks, taking payments, serving food”. Under questioning, she insisted her claims were based on her worst days, but footage from 2024 showed her routinely performing tasks she had said she was unfit to do. Last week, she was handed a suspended jail sentence for fraud at Sheffield Crown Court. She also incurred a loss of benefit penalty, applying for a minimum of 13 weeks if she claims DWP benefits in the future.
Government Response
Minister for Transformation Andrew Western said: “The message is clear – don’t think you can steal from hardworking taxpayers. Whatever your reasons for committing benefit fraud, know that our investigators are wise to every trick in the book and we will find you. And if you know somebody is fleecing the system, report it.”
