Athletes charged in benefit probe

A member of the British Paralympic squad has been charged with benefit fraud after an investigation into profits made from selling cars.

Jon Hall, 26, from Derby, has been selected for the British wheelchair basketball squad.

He is one of five athletes each charged with failing to report changes in circumstances while claiming incapacity benefit.

The allegations were first revealed by BBC Radio 4's Your and Yours programme.

Mr Hall will appear before magistrates again at a later date.

Further arrests

Two wheelchair fencers, Lee Fawcett and Philip Bramley, both from Teeside, have been bailed to appear before magistrates in August.

Steve Owen, who plays for the Sheffield Steelers wheelchair basketball team, is due to appear at Crown Court later in the year.

Andy Whittle, from Rossington near Doncaster, has pleaded guilty to the charges of failing to report changes in circumstances while still claiming incapacity benefit. He was fined and ordered to pay £2,500 in compensation.

Another six people have been arrested in connection with this investigation, led by the Department of Work and Pensions.

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