Disability fraud probe traps ref

A local league football referee filmed taking charge of matches has admitted falsely claiming more than �17,000 disability living allowance.

Steve Paskin, of Newport, claimed �17,375 between May 2003 and June 2007 and will be sentenced in August.

He was seen officiating at matches while claiming he could not walk more than 100 yards without "extreme tiredness and discomfort".

He is the third referee in Wales to be caught out recently by investigators.

Prosecutor Ian Williams told Caerphilly magistrates that Paskin, from the Bassaleg area, claimed he needed day care for his disability.

"But he managed to pass fitness tests for his local football association," he said.

"Investigators managed to secretly film Paskin officiating at several football matches.

"This showed an inconsistency with the disability allowance he was claiming."

We are hoping this will serve as a warning to others Kevin McGrath, fraud investigator

The investigation discovered Paskin was registered as a referee with the Gwent County Football Association.

He was released on bail by magistrates and will be sentenced in Newport Crown Court in August.

After the case, Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) fraud investigator Kevin McGrath said: "Paskin was claiming a middle-rate care disability allowance - saying he needed help during the day.

Referees targeted

"He told us he couldn't walk further than 100 yards or for longer than 10 minutes without severe discomfort and extreme tiredness.

"Someone with that sort of disability would not have been able to referee a football match."

Mr McGrath said the DWP had conducted a proactive exercise where football referees had been targeted.

"We were given lists of certified referees and checked them against complaints we were investigating," he said.

"We are hoping this will serve as a warning to others."

The Gwent County Football Association said Paskin had not registered as a referee for the coming season.

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