Graham Gannon, 63, has been sentenced to a 20-week prison term, suspended for 12 months, after admitting to defrauding the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of over £26,000. Gannon claimed Personal Independent Payments (PIP) due to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, stating his mobility was severely limited and that he struggled with basic daily tasks.
An anonymous tip led investigators to a holiday park in Norfolk where Gannon was employed as a maintenance man. His duties involved physically demanding tasks such as hedgerow and fence maintenance, landscaping, painting, unblocking toilets, drainage work, and litter picking. Some of his responsibilities even included climbing ladders. He worked a 40-hour week, with his tasks sometimes involving heavy lifting on days he felt capable.
Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court heard that Gannon fraudulently claimed £26,324.65 in PIP payments between February 2019 and March 2023. He had initially claimed PIP citing difficulties with gripping objects and severe mobility limitations. However, he stopped receiving treatment injections for his conditions and did not declare an improvement in his physical state, instead continuing to tell the DWP that his abilities remained severely restricted.
During an interview under caution, Gannon, who resides on a boat in Lowestoft, admitted to failing to declare his return to full-time, labor-intensive employment. He pleaded guilty to three offenses, including failing to notify the DWP of a change in his circumstances and improved physical capabilities. He also admitted to providing false information on PIP review forms in January 2020 and January 2022.
His defense stated that Gannon accepted full responsibility and expressed remorse, characterizing the offense as a misunderstanding rather than intentional fraud from the outset. They emphasized his age and previously unblemished record.
In sentencing, the court acknowledged the significant sum owed and the duration of the fraudulent claims. Gannon was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154 and £85 in prosecution costs. He may also face a Loss of Benefit Penalty for a minimum of 13 weeks if he remains eligible for certain benefits.
Minister for Transformation Andrew Western issued a statement following the case, emphasizing that benefit fraud will be investigated and prosecuted, warning individuals not to attempt to defraud taxpayers. He also encouraged the public to report suspected benefit fraud.