A BUSINESSMAN who claimed he could barely walk because of a range of health conditions and needed help to get dressed and go to the toilet was spotting pulling a fully loaded “industrial sized” trolley around a cash and carry warehouse.

Ranjit Singh also worked in a general store and fish and chip shop in Middlesbrough during a period when he was fraudulently claiming Disability Living Allowance, Teesside Crown Court heard.

In total he falsely claimed £22,910 in benefit between April 2 2008 and December 6 last year.

Singh, 53, of Nunnington Close, Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, began claiming legitimately in October 2003, telling officials it took him two minutes to walk 20 metres.

He also said he needed help with a range of daily tasks including getting dressed, toilet trips and cooking meals.

Singh, who has undergone a heart bypass operation, said he suffered from diabetes and uncontrolled hypertension and also experienced back pain and dizzy spells.

After a review in 2007 he carried on claiming the benefit, but suspicions began to be raised about his health.

Prosecutor Tony Cornberg said Singh's care needs decreased and his mobility improved.

Investigators from the Department of Work and Pensions began carrying out surveillance on him between March 17 and April 12 2011 and June 9 and August 23 the same year.

During this period he was spotted walking at a normal pace and getting in and out of a car without assistance.

Mr Cornberg said Singh was also watched pulling a fully loaded trolley around a cash and carry and also worked in a Lifestyle Express grocery and a fish and chip shop.

During the period of the fraudulent claim he was being paid about £100 a week. Singh also owned several properties, the court heard.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of making a false representation.

His barrister Jim Withyman said he had quite severe health problems. Colleagues who had worked with him and handed in references on his behalf described him as conscientious and honest.

Singh, who had no previous convictions, had lost his good name, Mr Withyman added.

Judge Peter Armstrong said the defendant had a chance to tell the DWP that his circumstances had changed, but failed to do so.

“No doubt you got used to the money,” he said.

The judge said that because of Singh's guilty plea and his previous good character he could suspend a three month jail sentence on him for two years.

He would also be supervised by the probation service for the next 12 months.

Judge Armstrong said that were Singh able to pay back the money, as he intended, the prosecution would not seek a compensation order against him under the Proceeds of Crime Act.