An Exeter benefits fiddler has been branded as thoroughly dishonest after he claimed £18,000 disability pay while working as a road mender.
Colin Warren told officials his back pain was so severe that walking a few paces was like running a marathon but was actually able to do hard manual work.
He signed forms which claimed he was too ill to work and could not lift heavy weights and claimed invalidity benefit for years before he was caught. He admitted being motivated by greed.
Warren was spared jail after Exeter Crown Court heard that he has since developed a brain tumour which has had a genuine effect on his health and ability to work.
He is currently repaying the money so slowly it will take 20 years to recoup his debt to the state.
Warren, aged 47, of Redhills, Exeter, admitted two offences of benefit fraud and was jailed for eight months, suspended for two years.
Judge Francis Gilbert, QC told him:"You said you were incapable of working when in fact you were working for South West Highways. This dishonesty went on for three years.
"You received money from the public purse which came from your fellow citizens and neighbours. You were aware it was wrong and admitted you were motivated by greed.
"This was not an honest mistake, it was a deliberate attempt to deceive. You are thoroughly dishonest and deserve no sympathy but I shall suspend this sentence because of your ill health."
Miss Emily Pitts, prosecuting, said Warren started claiming incapacity benefit legitimately in 1996 after he suffered a back injury but carried on doing so after he recovered and started work again.
He overclaimed a total of £18,504.22 between 2006 and 2009 and admitted he had done so because he was greedy and needed the money to pay his rent.
She said:"He filled in a form in which he said that walking a short distance was like running a marathon for him and he was incapable of lifting any heavy weight. In fact he was working 37 and a half hours a week on the roads for South West Highways."
Miss Sally Daulton, defending, said Warren had been confused because he was claiming incapacity benefit, which stops when the someone finds work, and disability living allowance, which can continue.
She said that since 2009 he has been unable to work because of a brain tumour, for which he is still being treated.
