Benefit cheat sentence

Robert Cave playing golf Credit: Department of Work and Pensions

A benefits cheat who pocketed thousands of pounds in Disability Allowance after claiming he couldn’t walk, has been sentenced to four months in prison.

Robert Cave from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire claimed he couldn’t walk more than 50 metres, but was caught on camera playing golf by investigators for the Department of Work and Pensions.

Over a period of three years, Mr Cave who’s 50, was paid more than twelve thousand pounds in benefits.

Last month he pleaded guilty to failing to notify the DWP that his capabilities had improved between April 2006 and January 2010.

Today at Nottingham Crown Court, Judge Andrew Hamilton said: "You are a thorough and utterly lying cheat. You painted a thorough and completely dishonest picture of your condition."

He added: "You were able to walk a four to five mile golf course. In fact, so good was your golf you got your handicap down to 15."