Scots benefits cheat caught doing 5ks while stealing £67k taxpayer cash freed from jail after six months

A fraudster who claimed £67,062.50 in benefits by pretending to have mobility issues was caught running 5k races while boasting about her physical abilities. Annette Bond, 50, was initially sentenced to two years in jail, but has been released after only serving six months following an appeal. Bond, who had been deceiving the benefits agency for almost a decade, was ordered to pay back the money under Proceeds of Crime legislation.

Bond, an online jeweller, appeared in court seeking an extension of six months to repay the sum she owed. Her defence solicitor mentioned that Bond planned to raise the funds through a loan or mortgage on her property now that she was out of prison. However, Sheriff William Wood warned that no further extension would be granted beyond the six months.

During the trial, it was revealed that Bond had been claiming benefits at an “enhanced” rate due to conditions such as multiple sclerosis, which she said severely limited her mobility. Despite this, investigators captured footage of Bond effortlessly completing 5k runs multiple times a week, contradicting her claims of poor balance and mobility issues.

A Department of Work and Pensions fraud investigator detailed how surveillance footage showed Bond running around her neighbourhood without any difficulty, completing the runs in under 30 minutes. The investigation team had gathered extensive evidence against Bond, leading to her conviction for fraudulent benefit claims.

Bond’s mother testified that Bond was diagnosed with MS but actively exercised to combat the condition, often running in the mornings near their home. Despite Bond admitting to running regularly, she claimed the surveillance happened during a period when she was in better physical shape.

The court found Bond guilty of fraudulently obtaining benefits over a nine-year period by failing to disclose improvements in her health that would affect her eligibility for the payments. Bond was convicted of deceitfully claiming Disability Living Allowance ‘enhanced care’ and ‘mobility’ payments.

Despite protests of innocence, Sheriff Wood emphasised the seriousness of Bond’s actions, describing them as a prolonged and deliberate act of dishonesty that deprived taxpayers of funds. He highlighted the significant amount of money obtained fraudulently and ruled that a custodial sentence was the appropriate consequence for Bond’s deception.

In conclusion, Annette Bond’s case sheds light on the importance of accountability and honesty when it comes to claiming benefits. Fraudulent actions not only harm the state financially but also compromise the support that genuinely deserving individuals rely on. It serves as a reminder for the system to remain vigilant against such deceitful practices to ensure that resources are allocated fairly and judiciously.