Benefit cheat trapped by secret golf footage

A benefit cheat who claimed he could not work because of arthritis in his hands was exposed when secret footage captured him playing golf.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Aug 2011, 07:00 BST

Peter David Crowder, 50, from Parkbourn Square, Maghull, Liverpool, yesterday pleaded guilty to failing to declare a change of circumstances and making a false statement to obtain benefits.

Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard how Crowder – who came to court using a walking stick – fraudulently claimed Disability Living Allowance with mobility and care components worth £20,217 between October 2006 and September 2010.

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Following an anonymous tip off, Department of Work and Pensions investigators carried out covert surveillance of Crowder driving, chipping and putting golf balls at Hurlston Hall Golf and Country Club in Lancashire. It is understood he became a member in 2006.

Records showed that Crowder, a former psychiatric nurse at Ashworth Hospital in Merseyside, went to the club 151 times between April 4, 2009 and May 28, 2010.

The court heard that Crowder retired from his job on medical grounds claiming that he was suffering from rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis and had “problems” with his hands and feet.

District Judge Miriam Shelvey adjourned the case until August 25, warning Crowder that he could be jailed.

Related topics:Liverpool