Acocks Green benefits cheat Anthony Cleverley claimed £15,000

Apr 10 2009 by Adam Aspinall, Birmingham Mail

A BIRMINGHAM Army Cadet Force instructor can today be exposed as a benefits cheat who claimed almost £15,000 in fraudulent payouts.

Anthony Cleverley claimed Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit on the basis he was unable to work due to ill health.

He said he could only walk two to four yards at a time and needed the aid of sticks, splints and a wheelchair to get around.

But an anonymous tip-off to investigators at the Department for Work and Pensions revealed Cleverley had told the Army he was in good health and had no disabilities that would affect his ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, lift or use his hand and arms.

Now Cleverley, 40, from Acocks Green, has appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court to admit a charge under the Social Security Administration Act for a failure to declare a change in circumstances.

He is due to be sentenced on 21 April.