Benefits man had £3m car business

Andrew John Gray legitimately began receiving a severe disablement allowance in May 1995 on the basis he was unable to work after he was injured in an industrial accident.

But some years later he started using his skills as a sheet metal worker again, first in a therapeutic way to make items for friends and family. The demand built up until he was in business, converting his double garage into a metal workshop.

He even employed two people at one point, Michael Rawlinson prosecuting told Leeds Crown Court yesterday.

His work came to light when an investigation was being carried out into the sale of vehicles bought using mobility allowance which meant that VAT was not paid.

It was discovered between 2004 and 2008 Gray had purchased 131 prestige vehicles valued between 40,000 and 100,000 and totalling 3m which he had disposed of.

Gray, 44, of Woodhall Park Crescent East, Pudsey, Leeds, who appeared in court in a wheelchair admitted retaining a wrongful credit of 17,958.65.

Fining him 700 with costs of 300, Judge Kerry Macgill said he had every sympathy with his disability but he had kept money to which he was not entitled.

Christopher Ware, for Gray, said he had been injured working on a demolition site in 1994 and although he received 1m compensation had considerable problems coming to terms with his disability as a relatively young family man, suffering both depression and abusing alcohol.

He was now faced with the breakdown of his marriage and severe financial consequences including a demand from the Inland Revenue for 127,000.