'Wheelchair-bound' cheat dances up a storm
Twirling his partner around the dance floor, the 61-year-old looked in the rudest of health.
But at the same time as taking part in this boisterous jive competition, Terence Read was claiming benefits for severe arthritis which he said left him virtually unable to walk.
Unfortunately for him, someone had tipped off the Department for Work and Pensions - and an investigator caught the whole event on film.
Read, who claimed he often had to use a wheelchair, is now facing a possible jail sentence after admitting claiming nearly 20 000 Pounds he was plainly not entitled to
Dressed in a 1940s suit, bow-tie and trilby hat, he was filmed leading the way through an athletic five-minute routine that also included the jitterbug, the charleston and the lindy hop.
The audience cheered and clapped and a panel of judges gave him and his partner top marks as they completed a high-kicking dance routine before taking a bow.
On Thursday Read, of Blackley, Manchester, pleaded guilty to claiming 19 915 Pounds of disability living allowance.
He began claiming the benefits in 1995 when he was genuinely ill with arthritis and depression.
Read was awarded the highest rate for mobility and care costs, which is reserved for those who need help with bathing and using the toilet.
But by 2005 his health was much improved, and after a hip replacement operation his condition improved still further.
However, he failed to tell the DWP of a change in his physical health and continued to claim the benefits for three years and six months.
Manchester Crown Court heard that Read had a very active social life and claimed to be 'an authority on all things swing'.
He was often seen walking unaided and taking part in dance competitions and exhibitions with the dance school he attended in Manchester, investigators said.
He was caught on camera at the Big Band and Rock and Roll dance competition 'Kats Korner' in Manchester in June 2008 after investigators from the DWP got a tip-off telling them that he was extremely nimble on his toes.
There seemed no evidence of the crippling condition that had supposedly left him a virtual prisoner in his own home.
When he was interviewed under caution in January last year, Read admitted there had been a major improvement in his condition.
But he said he had not been aware that he needed to tell the DWP about the change, even though he was sent annual letters reminding him that any changes in his circumstances needed to be reported.
The DWP said that Read had already started paying back the money and had so far repaid 2158.14.
The judge warned him he could go to prison. Sentencing was adjourned until next month. After the case a source said: "He genuinely believed he had not done anything wrong but it was clear he was caught hook, line and sinker.
"Those forms said he needed a wheelchair but he was dancing like Fred Astaire.
"We bet the DWP inspectors couldn't believe it when they saw him in action.
"Terry is obviously fast on his feet but was not fleet footed enough to dodge out of being caught.
Twirling his partner around the dance floor, the 61-year-old looked in the rudest of health.
But at the same time as taking part in this boisterous jive competition, Terence Read was claiming benefits for severe arthritis which he said left him virtually unable to walk.
Unfortunately for him, someone had tipped off the Department for Work and Pensions - and an investigator caught the whole event on film.
Read, who claimed he often had to use a wheelchair, is now facing a possible jail sentence after admitting claiming nearly 20 000 Pounds he was plainly not entitled to
Dressed in a 1940s suit, bow-tie and trilby hat, he was filmed leading the way through an athletic five-minute routine that also included the jitterbug, the charleston and the lindy hop.
The audience cheered and clapped and a panel of judges gave him and his partner top marks as they completed a high-kicking dance routine before taking a bow.
On Thursday Read, of Blackley, Manchester, pleaded guilty to claiming 19 915 Pounds of disability living allowance.
He began claiming the benefits in 1995 when he was genuinely ill with arthritis and depression.
Read was awarded the highest rate for mobility and care costs, which is reserved for those who need help with bathing and using the toilet.
But by 2005 his health was much improved, and after a hip replacement operation his condition improved still further.
However, he failed to tell the DWP of a change in his physical health and continued to claim the benefits for three years and six months.
Manchester Crown Court heard that Read had a very active social life and claimed to be 'an authority on all things swing'.
He was often seen walking unaided and taking part in dance competitions and exhibitions with the dance school he attended in Manchester, investigators said.
He was caught on camera at the Big Band and Rock and Roll dance competition 'Kats Korner' in Manchester in June 2008 after investigators from the DWP got a tip-off telling them that he was extremely nimble on his toes.
There seemed no evidence of the crippling condition that had supposedly left him a virtual prisoner in his own home.
When he was interviewed under caution in January last year, Read admitted there had been a major improvement in his condition.
But he said he had not been aware that he needed to tell the DWP about the change, even though he was sent annual letters reminding him that any changes in his circumstances needed to be reported.
The DWP said that Read had already started paying back the money and had so far repaid 2158.14.
The judge warned him he could go to prison. Sentencing was adjourned until next month. After the case a source said: "He genuinely believed he had not done anything wrong but it was clear he was caught hook, line and sinker.
"Those forms said he needed a wheelchair but he was dancing like Fred Astaire.
"We bet the DWP inspectors couldn't believe it when they saw him in action.
"Terry is obviously fast on his feet but was not fleet footed enough to dodge out of being caught.