Alan Sheard who claimed he could only walk a few meters in order to
claim disability benefits and was confined to his home - but was
actually caught on film walking his dog, lifting a wheelbarrow into a
car and moving wheelie bins to swindle almost £20,000. The
59-year-old from Wolverhampton pleaded guilty yesterday to failing to
notify the Government's Department for Work and Pensions of a change
of circumstances affecting his entitlement to benefits. Sheard, was
overpaid £19,985.10 in Disability Living Allowance between May 2009
and June 2012, Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court heard. Mr Chris
Coughlan, prosecuting, said a surveillance investigation had been
launched following three anonymous tip-offs that Sheard was doing
'occasional work' and playing golf three times a week. Mr Coughlan
added: "He was filmed walking his dog over long distances, lifting a
wheelbarrow, lifting a 6ft by 7ft metal mesh fence panel and
manoeuvring wheelie bins.