Drummer Claimed DLA
A Lancashire man who claimed he could hardly walk has been given a suspended jail sentence for benefit fraud after he was filmed drumming in a band.
Alexander Clarkson, 63, of Ashfield Road, Blackpool, admitted illegally claiming more than £17,000 in Disability Living Allowance.
He was caught on camera marching in a Remembrance Day parade where he was the lead drummer for nearly half an hour.
Clarkson was also ordered to repay the Department of Work and Pensions.
He was given a 56-day jail sentence suspended for a year.
Blackpool Magistrates were told that Clarkson claimed his mobility was virtually nil due to arthritis and that he could only walk on crutches.
But he was secretly filmed marching and playing the drum during Remembrance Day commemorations in Great Harwood.
Clarkson, a drummer in the City of Preston Pipes and Drums band and a member of Blackpool Male Voice choir, was also observed walking, shopping, driving and carrying shopping bags.
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