Understand
Bradford benefits cheat jailed for falsely claiming over £50,000
Overview
Nathan Wood, 58, from Bradford, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison after falsely claiming more than £50,000 in personal independence payments (PIP) while secretly running a vehicle repair business and swimming. His co-defendant, Laura Clayton, received a suspended sentence for helping him conceal the fraud and acting as his carer.
Key points
- Nathan Wood falsely claimed over £50,000 in benefits after exaggerating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
- Wood claimed he was reliant on a wheelchair and unable to work, but was filmed driving a work van, walking unaided, and swimming in 2023.
- Wood pleaded guilty to dishonestly making a false representation and was jailed for 16 months at Bradford Crown Court.
- Co-defendant Laura Clayton acted as Wood's carer and representative, supporting his fraudulent claims.
- Clayton was sentenced to five months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.