OAP fraudster claimed thousands in benefits while hitting the gym

Maria has been jailed (Image: Vic Rodrick)

Maria Krawiec, 70, faced prosecution after Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigators filmed her walking her dog, driving her car, playing badminton, and regularly attending gym fitness classes, despite her false claims that she was unable to walk without assistance.

Her bank account was scrutinised to confirm she was receiving the benefits, and an investigation was initiated into her assertions that she was virtually immobile, incapable of driving, unable to leave her home unsupervised, and could not walk unaided.

All her claims were discovered to be grossly exaggerated, leading Krawiec to plead guilty to dishonestly completing claim forms for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

The DWP began its investigation following an anonymous tip-off that Krawiec had been deceiving department officials for over a decade. She was initially charged with receiving more than £100,000 in undeserved benefits but eventually confessed to obtaining just half that sum, reports the Daily Record.

Prosecutor Amanda Kerr informed Livingston Sheriff Court that due to her fraudulent claims, Krawiec had received £40,000 in Disability Living Allowance between 18 January 2008 and 17 September 2019, and an additional £10,000 in Employment Support Allowance from 21 May 2013 to 2 March 2020.

The fiscal revealed that as of 3 February this year, she had only repaid £292.36 through deductions from her monthly State pension of £850.

She stated that the accused was obligated to provide honest declarations to the Department for Work and Pensions, answer questions truthfully, and report any changes in her circumstances.

However, she consistently overstated her mobility issues, claiming she was severely disabled and unable to work. She proceeded to claim ESA on the grounds that she was already receiving DSA.

After being denied in July 2011, she told officials "my left leg goes away from me" and claimed she couldn't use a cooker. She also alleged it was hazardous for her to lift a heavy pot, that her daughter had to assist her with dressing and showering, and that she frequently woke up at night due to severe cramps.

Miss Kerr continued: "Surveillance was conducted between 19 August 2019 and 4 September 2022 where the accused was observed driving alone, walking regularly without aids, walking her dog and attending the gym to play badminton."

It was also discovered that Krawiec had booked a holiday rental in September 2021 but did not specify any particular disability needs. Investigators found she had also bragged to fellow gym members about going on several holidays a year.

The Xcite gym in Livingston, West Lothian, has verified that she's been a member since September 2018, engaging in Body Pump, Body Attack, and various fitness classes, as well as playing tennis and table tennis. Additionally, it was discovered that she had long been a member of the Lanthorn Badminton Club in Livingston, where she regularly drove herself to participate in sessions typically twice a week.

During an interview with DWP fraud investigators in October 2019, Krawiec persisted in her claim that she required support to leave her home every day of the week and falsely stated that she never took part in any physical activities.

Maria pleaded guilty (Image: Vic Rodrick)

She refuted any involvement in badminton and contended that her gym membership was solely for her granddaughter's swimming sessions. However, she was confronted with video evidence gathered by DWP investigators.

Krawiecz, hailing from Bathgate, West Lothian, received her sentence after admitting guilt to violating the Social Security Administration Act 1992 by knowingly providing false statements to DWP officials.

Her defence advocate, Colin Neilson, pointed out that the sum of money she admitted to fraudulently obtaining was significantly less than the original £102,000 accusation.

He remarked: "She accepts that she did exaggerate her conditions and it's accepted that, given the level of repayment over almost two years, no significant dent has been made in the £50,000."

He mentioned that the accused had two adult children and four grandchildren who regularly visited her, yet she led a "very frugal existence" on her State pension.

He further noted: "Her time is taken up by doing her best to remain as active as possible."

Sheriff Valerie Mays, delivering the judgment to Krawiec, said: "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.

"You're a first offender of previous good character, you show some remorse and the offences were committed some years ago so it's a very difficult decision in this case.

"I do consider that your culpability in respect of the offences is high and I have considered the amount you received when considering harm.

"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."

She sentenced the accused to 14 months in prison, reduced from 18 months due to her early guilty plea at the initial hearing. Krawiec appeared to be taken aback by the sentence.