by Andy Gray

agray@thekmgroup.co.uk

A man was secretly filmed refereeing football matches while claiming thousands of pounds in incapacity benefits.

Christopher Hodgeson, 49, from Norfolk Road, Shepway, near Maidstone, falsely claimed £10,255 in benefits between January 2007 and December 2009.

During that three-year period it was discovered the dad-of-four, who suffers from arthritis and osteoporosis, had refereed 38 football matches.

An undercover surveillance team from the Department of Work and Pensions filmed Hodgeson as he took charge of matches in the Maidstone and District League.

He admitted two charges of failing to promptly notify a change in his circumstances and was sentenced to a three-month curfew order.

The court was told Hodgeson’s condition meant he needed personal care, someone to prepare his meals and had been provided with a motorbility scooter.

The court heard how the dad-of-four claimed he was only "following doctor’s orders" by refereeing the games.

He said he had not deliberately attempted to flout the law and took part in matches to stave off the effects of his condition because he "didn’t want to end up in a wheelchair".

Hodgeson needed painkillers before and after matches, but wanted to stay "fit for as long as possible".

His condition meant some days he could run, other days he could not.

"He did not want to become a burden to anyone else," the court was told.

Hodgeson, who retired from his job as a civilian tyre fitter for the Army due to ill health, took up refereeing more than 10 years ago.

The court was told Hodgeson "loved football" and was a supporter of the Maidstone League.

Hodgeson was placed on a curfew order between 7pm and 7am. He was also ordered to pay £100 costs as well as the false claim amount.

Following the case, Lord Freud, minister for welfare reform, said: "Benefit thieves are costing the taxpayer almost £1 billion per year.

"This money is intended to help those most in need not line the pockets of criminals.

"We will continue to tackle this problem at the frontline but also at the root by reforming the benefits system to make it less open to abuse."