Morpeth darts champ caught cheating benefits

Jul 25 2009 The Journal

SHE claimed she was in constant pain and unable to walk.

But that did not keep benefit cheat Frances Thompson away from the dart board.

The fraudster claimed she was unable to work because her chronic spine disease left her in constant pain and unable to walk or fend for herself.

But as she raked in more than £23,000 in disability allowances she was not entitled to, she was also collecting trophies in her local darts league.

The 55-year-old, who has claimed she was unfit to work for the last 10-years, has now been charged with benefit fraud.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launched an investigation after receiving a tip-off from members of the public, who spotted her playing, and winning, in local ladies’ darts matches.

Thompson, of Second Avenue, in Stobhill, Morpeth, Northumberland proved there was nothing wrong with her throwing arm, or her legs, as she squared-up to the oche, to be crowned the Morpeth and District Ladies’ Darts League Single’s Knockout Winner, in 2005.

But at the time she was receiving Disability Living Allowance after informing the DWP that she was unfit to work, in 1999.

After claiming she was suffering from a spine disease which affected her legs, leaving her in constant pain and unable to walk without a stick, Thompson was awarded the highest rate of the mobility component, of the benefit.