A Devon man has been sentenced after a court found he continued claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) despite failing to report that his health had improved. The case followed an investigation by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which included surveillance and a review of financial records.
Ryan Scott, 39, from Torquay, was ordered to complete a community order after magistrates heard he received more than £7,600 in disability benefits he was no longer entitled to. The court also heard that he had already begun repaying the overpaid amount.
Investigation
The case began after the DWP received an anonymous tip suggesting Scott’s physical condition had improved.
According to evidence presented in court, investigators reviewed publicly available photographs that appeared to show Scott completing a 10-kilometre running event. They also examined bank records, which indicated he had returned to paid plastering work.
The DWP later carried out surveillance over several days, during which officers recorded Scott working on a construction site.
Evidence
Exeter Magistrates’ Court heard investigators observed Scott carrying out activities that were inconsistent with the limitations described in his benefit claim.
According to the prosecution, surveillance footage showed him:
- Climbing ladders and scaffolding
- Carrying heavy equipment
- Plastering walls on a building site
The court was told these activities contradicted information provided during his disability assessment.
Claim
Scott had originally qualified for PIP after reporting that a workplace accident had significantly affected his mobility and daily living.
According to court records, he stated that he experienced difficulty:
| Reported Limitation | Details Given During Claim |
|---|---|
| Preparing meals | Difficulty lifting pans and cooking |
| Hand strength | Unable to open twist-top lids |
| Mobility | Unable to walk more than 20 metres without assistance |
| Sitting | Pain when sitting upright |
| Phone use | Claimed he was too weak to lift a phone |
| Going outside | Said he struggled to remain outdoors for more than a few minutes |
Magistrates accepted that his original claim was genuine and found no evidence that the application had been dishonest from the beginning.
Recovery
The court heard Scott’s health and mobility improved around May 2023.
Evidence showed he paid the entry fee for a 10-kilometre race on 22 June 2023 and completed the event the following month.
Although he later returned to work as a plasterer, prosecutors said he did not notify the DWP about the improvement in his condition, as required under benefit rules.
Following a review, the DWP determined that Scott was no longer entitled to PIP between 31 May 2023 and 7 April 2024.
Overpayment
The investigation concluded that Scott received disability benefit payments during a period when he no longer met the eligibility requirements.
| Period Reviewed | Amount Overpaid |
|---|---|
| 31 May 2023 – 7 April 2024 | £7,625.68 |
The court heard the payments continued automatically into his bank account until the claim was reassessed.
Court
During an interview with fraud investigators, Scott acknowledged taking part in the 10-kilometre event but said it had not been easy.
He said he had trained by improving his fitness at the gym and claimed he spent two weeks recovering in bed after completing the race.
Addressing magistrates during sentencing, Scott apologised for his actions. He told the court that he had been taking medication, was experiencing depression, and did not fully consider the consequences of continuing to receive the payments.
He also said returning to work had been part of his effort to improve his mental health and that he had relied on a friend for transport because he was not yet fully recovered.
Sentence
Magistrates stated there was no evidence that Scott’s original benefit claim had been fraudulent.
Taking into account that he had no relevant previous convictions and had already started repaying the overpaid benefits, the court sentenced him to:
| Outcome | Details |
|---|---|
| Community Order | 15 days |
| Fine, costs and surcharge | £360 |
| Benefit repayment | £7,625.68 being repaid |
DWP Response
Following the hearing, a DWP spokesperson said benefit fraud diverts public money away from people who genuinely need financial support.
The department said it continues to investigate suspected fraud using a range of methods, including intelligence, financial evidence, and surveillance where appropriate. It also encouraged anyone with information about suspected benefit fraud to report it.
The case highlights the importance of informing the DWP when circumstances change. While the court accepted that Scott’s original claim was legitimate, it found that he failed to report improvements in his health that affected his eligibility for PIP. The DWP says claimants are responsible for reporting relevant changes promptly to ensure benefit payments remain accurate.
FAQs
Why was the man’s PIP claim investigated?
The DWP investigated after receiving an anonymous tip.
How much was overpaid?
The overpayment was calculated at £7,625.68.
What sentence did the court impose?
A community order and £360 in fines and costs.
Did the court find the original claim fraudulent?
No, magistrates accepted the initial claim was genuine.
