A 49-year-old woman from Shrewsbury was sentenced to seven months in prison after being found guilty of fraudulently claiming disability benefits despite participating in athletic events. Helen Green had been granted Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in 2016 due to conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, but she failed to inform officials when her circumstances improved.

According to court proceedings at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Green took part in three 10-kilometer races in Shropshire during 2020 and 2021, as well as attending workout classes. Prosecutor Harry Dickens stated that while Green later claimed to have merely walked the races, evidence showed she actively competed in them.

Green admitted to failing to report a change in her condition that affected her entitlement to the benefits. The total amount obtained fraudulently was £25,244. The court’s decision to impose a custodial sentence underscores the importance of accurately disclosing health status changes when receiving disability payments.