Film spots benefits cheat in race

Susan Hutchinson used a false name to cover up her claims

A woman paid £23,000 in benefits for being "too weak to work" was filmed running in a charity race, the Department for Work and Pensions said.

Susan Hutchinson, 56, said she had asthma and joint pain but fraud investigators saw her smiling as she ran the 5km Race for Life in Cardiff.

The court also heard she was working as full-time PA to a wealthy businessman.

Hutchinson, of Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, admitted six fraud and theft charges and will be sentenced later.

Susan Hutchinson was filmed in the Cardiff 5km Race for Life

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said Hutchinson led a double life.

She claimed benefits for five years, used her real name to claim disability living allowance and a false name to work in a nursing home and as a PA.

A spokesman for the DWP said: "She fraudulently claimed more than £23,000 in benefits including income support and disability living allowance.

"This is reserved for the most severely disabled members of society, who are either unable to walk or virtually unable to walk."

Susan Hutchinson was also filmed by investigators working out at a gym

But Hutchinson was filmed by a DWP fraud investigator in May in the grounds of Cardiff Castle running the Race for Life.

The investigator later challenged Hutchinson and she admitted taking part in the run.

The DWP also filmed her working out after discovering that regular payments were being made from Hutchinson's account to the women-only gym Hydrofitness, in Barry.

At Barry Magistrates Court, she admitted all eight charges totalling £23,238.16 in benefits.

She will be sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on 13 November.