Fraud case runner to lose assets

Appleby ran the London and Robin Hood marathons

A marathon runner who illegally claimed thousands of pounds in disability benefits has been ordered to hand over his assets or stay in prison.

Paul Appleby, 47, from Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, is serving 10 months for fraud.

He retired with an injured back but then joined a running club and ran the London marathon while on benefits.

He has been ordered to hand over assets of almost £6,000 including his car or face a further six months in jail.

Appleby pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court to failing to notify the authorities he was fit again.

When he stopped work he said he could walk only 50 yards in five minutes and used a walking stick, a frame or at times a wheelchair.

But Appleby, who claimed £22,300 in total, joined the Sutton-in-Ashfield Harriers running club in 2001 to try to lose weight and went on to compete in several races while still claiming full disability benefit.