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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Golfer Alan Bannister said he was 'entitled to benefits' | Golfer Alan Bannister said he was 'entitled to benefits' |
| (1 day later) | |
| A champion golfer accused of a £26,000 benefit fraud said he needed strong medication to play, a court heard. | A champion golfer accused of a £26,000 benefit fraud said he needed strong medication to play, a court heard. |
| Alan Bannister, 56, from Barry, got a mobility vehicle after filling in forms saying he could barely walk 50 yards. | |
| Mr Bannister, who suffers with chronic arthritis, told investigators: "I am claiming for something I know I was entitled to." | Mr Bannister, who suffers with chronic arthritis, told investigators: "I am claiming for something I know I was entitled to." |
| He is on trial at Cardiff Crown Court and denies theft and fraud relating to £26,000 in benefits payments. | He is on trial at Cardiff Crown Court and denies theft and fraud relating to £26,000 in benefits payments. |
| Mr Bannister, who played off a handicap of six, said his arthritis meant he struggled to lift his hands above his head and could only play after taking strong medication. | Mr Bannister, who played off a handicap of six, said his arthritis meant he struggled to lift his hands above his head and could only play after taking strong medication. |
| 'Flare ups' | 'Flare ups' |
| He was filmed in 2012 driving in his mobility car to St Andrews Major Golf Club in the Vale of Glamorgan and completing the 5,400 yard course in four-and-a-half hours. | He was filmed in 2012 driving in his mobility car to St Andrews Major Golf Club in the Vale of Glamorgan and completing the 5,400 yard course in four-and-a-half hours. |
| When questioned by the defence as to why he played golf, he said: "I get relief from doing it." | When questioned by the defence as to why he played golf, he said: "I get relief from doing it." |
| He claimed the relief was both physical in terms of exercise and mental by getting out of the house. | He claimed the relief was both physical in terms of exercise and mental by getting out of the house. |
| In interview with Department for Work and Pensions officers, Mr Bannister said he knew he should tell them if there were any improvement in his arthritis. | In interview with Department for Work and Pensions officers, Mr Bannister said he knew he should tell them if there were any improvement in his arthritis. |
| He said he still suffered "flare ups" around six times a month and had to take strong medication in order to play golf. | He said he still suffered "flare ups" around six times a month and had to take strong medication in order to play golf. |
| Mr Bannister is accused of dishonestly claiming the money between 2004 and 2012. | Mr Bannister is accused of dishonestly claiming the money between 2004 and 2012. |
| The trial continues. | The trial continues. |