Staffordshire benefits cheat caught out on social media posts while running marathons

Sarah Morris, 50, from Stone, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005, however, in 2020, she exaggerated the severity of her condition and claimed Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The mother-of-three lied about her disability, saying that she couldn't stand at the cooker due to a lack of balance, and even had difficulties getting out of the bath unassisted. 

Sarah also claimed that she was anxious when she left the house, saying a trip to the pharmacy to collect her medicine 'left her in tears'.

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Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that she was paid £2,292.62 in PIP a month. 

However, she failed to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that she was also a member of the 'Stone Master Marathoners', a running group that regularly runs 5km and 10k races, in which she took part. 

She was seen in her own Facebook posts running the races, giving waves, and wearing running outfits. 

Sarah pleaded guilty to dishonestly making a false statement to obtain a benefit and was later jailed for eight months last July. 

She was found to have been overpaid £20,528.83 in benefits between the dates of October 20th, 2020 and April 25th, 2023. 

Since then, she has now re-appeared at the same court for a proceeds of crime hearing. 

Judge Graeme Smith was told Morris benefited from her criminality by £22,386.02, and the available amount was £60,000.

The court heard that investigators had carried out surveillance on Morris from February 5, to February 20th, 2023. 

Prosecutor, Regan Walters, said: "On February 5 she took part in a five-mile race and was seen running without assistance and showed no signs of balance problems.

"On February 11 she was seen running with the Stone Master Marathoners and showed no signs of discomfort"

Mitigating, Paul Cliff said that Morris was diagnosed with MS 19 years ago, however, that the 'severity' of its impact 'ebbs and flows to a degree'.

He said: "But it is accepted by her that the application did not give the full picture. It crossed over into the realms of dishonesty."

He went on to say that Morris' marriage broke down in 2020, and that she had not been enjoying a lavish lifestyle through her claims. 

He added: "She lost her home because of financial problems and was struggling to keep her head above water financially. The application did not give the full picture. She did say running was one of the ways she tried to manage her MS. 

"She has found it difficult to come to terms with her dishonesty."

She was ordered to repay £22,386.02 or serve nine months in prison in default. She must also pay a £187 surcharge.