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Disability benefit claimant rode in speedway and taught exercise class Disability benefit claimant rode in speedway and taught exercise class
(about 13 hours later)
A disability benefit claimant who said he was virtually unable to walk and needed a wheelchair was discovered to compete in speedway races and teach an exercise class. A disability benefit claimant who said he was virtually unable to walk and needed a wheelchair was discovered to have been competing in speedway races and teaching an exercise class.
Stephen Hodgkinson, 58, of Harvest Road, Smethwick, started receiving benefits in 2002. Stephen Hodgkinson, 58, of Harvest Road, Smethwick, West Midlands, started receiving benefits in 2002.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said he received over £90,000. The Department for Work and Pensions said he had claimed more than £90,000.
Hodgkinson was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.Hodgkinson was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.
He claimed he needed 24-hour care, but an investigation in 2019 uncovered evidence he was the lead as a health representative for a local trust and was involved in competitive speedway, the DWP said.He claimed he needed 24-hour care, but an investigation in 2019 uncovered evidence he was the lead as a health representative for a local trust and was involved in competitive speedway, the DWP said.
He also taught a cycling exercise class, called Vibe.He also taught a cycling exercise class, called Vibe.
Hodgkinson admitted failing to report a change in circumstances and dishonest representation in order to obtain benefits.Hodgkinson admitted failing to report a change in circumstances and dishonest representation in order to obtain benefits.
He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.
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