A 70-year-old woman has been jailed for 14 months after fraudulently claiming £50,000 in disability benefits over more than a decade.
Maria Krawiec, from Bathgate, West Lothian, pleaded guilty to dishonestly filling in claim forms for Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.
The Department for Work and Pensions launched an investigation after receiving an anonymous tip that Krawiec had been lying to officials.
She had falsely claimed to be virtually immobile and unable to walk unaided.
A 70-year-old woman has been jailed for 14 months after fraudulently claiming £50,000 in disability benefits over more than a decade
Google mapsInvestigators discovered she was actually leading an active lifestyle that included driving, walking her dog, and participating in sports.
Krawiec was originally charged with receiving more than £100,000 in fraudulent benefits but eventually admitted to claiming half that amount.
The pensioner has repaid less than £300 of the money she fraudulently obtained.
Surveillance carried out by DWP investigators revealed Krawiec walking frequently without aids, contrary to her claims of severe mobility issues.
She was filmed driving her car independently, walking her dog, and attending gym classes.
The court heard that Krawiec had told officials she "couldn't walk unaided" and that her "left leg goes away from me."
She had claimed it was dangerous for her to lift heavy pots and that she was unable to use a cooker.
Krawiec also stated that her daughter had to help her dress and shower.
She told officials she frequently had to get up at night due to severe cramps.
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When confronted by investigators, she continued to insist she could not go out without support seven days a week.
She denied playing badminton and claimed her gym membership was only so her granddaughter could go swimming.
DWP investigators uncovered that Krawiec had been a member of the Xcite gym in Livingston since September 2018.
She had enrolled for Body Pump, Body Attack and fitness classes.
Records showed she also played tennis and table tennis at the facility. Further investigation revealed she had been a member of the Lanthorn Badminton Club in Livingston for many years.
She regularly drove herself to badminton sessions, typically attending twice weekly.
When booking a holiday let in September 2021, Krawiec made no mention of any disability needs.
Fellow gym members told investigators she had boasted about taking several holidays each year.
When interviewed in October 2019, Krawiec denied any physical activity.
She was then presented with video evidence collected by DWP investigators.
The surveillance footage, gathered between August 2019 and September 2022, clearly contradicted her claims of severe disability.
Amanda Kerr, prosecuting, told Livingston Sheriff Court that Krawiec had received £40,000 in Disability Living Allowance between January 2008 and September 2019.
She fraudulently claimed an additional £10,000 in Employment Support Allowance between May 2013 and March 2020.
As of February this year, she had repaid only £292.36 through deductions from her State pension of £850 a month.
After being refused benefits in July 2011, she made further false claims about her condition.
She subsequently claimed Employment Support Allowance on the basis that she was already receiving Disability Living Allowance.
Advocate Colin Neilson, defending, highlighted that the amount Krawiec had pleaded guilty to obtaining had been significantly reduced from the original charge.
Maria Krawiec pleaded guilty to dishonestly filling in claim forms for Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance
GETTYHe told the court she lived a "very frugal existence" on her State pension.
"Her time is taken up by doing her best to remain as active as possible," he added.
Sheriff Valerie Mays told Krawiec: "Obviously, you've committed a very serious offence. You claimed your mobility was significantly compromised and that wasn't true.
"You took money from the public purse meant for people with significant health conditions and you paid back less than £300."
The sheriff noted Krawiec was a first offender of previous good character who showed some remorse.
However, she concluded: "There's a need to deter others and express society's disapproval so I consider that there is no appropriate alternative but to impose a custodial sentence."
Krawiec's 14-month sentence was reduced from 18 months due to her guilty plea.
