A UK mother has been ordered to repay over £22,000 after fraudulently claiming disability benefits while regularly participating in running events, including 5K and 10K races.
Sara Morris, 50, from Stone, Staffordshire, deceived the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by exaggerating the effects of her multiple sclerosis in order to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP)—a benefit intended to help people with serious health conditions manage daily life.
Claiming Disability, Running Races
Morris applied for PIP in October 2020, stating that she struggled to leave the house, needed help getting out of the bath, and couldn’t stand at the cooker. She also claimed her anxiety was so severe that even a pharmacy visit left her in tears.
However, evidence later showed a very different story.
Between May 2019 and December 2022, she competed in 73 races, some of which were documented in Facebook posts she shared herself. She was also a member of the Stone Master Marathoners running club, which was not disclosed to the DWP at the time of her claim.
DWP Investigation and Conviction
DWP officials began investigating in early 2023, conducting surveillance on Morris. According to prosecutors, she was observed running unassisted and without any signs of distress or balance issues on multiple occasions.
In total, she was overpaid £20,528.83 between October 2020 and April 2023. During a court hearing in July 2024, she admitted to making a false statement to obtain benefits and was sentenced to eight months in prison.
A recent Proceeds of Crime hearing revealed that she had benefited from her dishonesty to the tune of £22,386.02, and she was ordered to repay the full amount within 28 days, or face nine months in jail in default. The court was told she had £60,000 available in assets.
“Not the Full Picture”
In her defense, Morris claimed she completed her PIP application on her worst day, acknowledging that she did not give an accurate picture of her condition. Her lawyer, Paul Cliff, stated that her multiple sclerosis symptoms fluctuate, and running was one of her coping strategies.
Cliff added that her marriage had broken down in 2020 and she was under significant financial strain, eventually losing her home. He argued she didn’t live lavishly off the benefits but admitted, “It crossed over into the realms of dishonesty.”
The Role of Social Media in Catching Benefit Fraud
The case highlights how social media evidence is increasingly being used in benefit fraud investigations. In Morris’s case, photos she uploaded herself helped prove her physical capabilities at odds with the claims she made to the DWP.
Prosecutor Regan Walters noted that she had posted images of her participating in races just days before and after submitting her initial benefit claim.
This case serves as a warning to benefit claimants about the legal consequences of providing false information to the DWP. While health conditions like multiple sclerosis can vary day to day, honesty in benefit applications is critical. Claimants are required to report any changes in their health status that could impact their entitlement—and failure to do so can lead to serious financial and legal penalties.
FAQs:
How much did Sara Morris fraudulently claim?
She received over £20,500 in benefits she wasn’t entitled to between 2020 and 2023.
Was she jailed?
Yes. She received an eight-month prison sentence and was ordered to repay £22,386.02 or face an additional nine months in prison.
What benefits did she claim?
She fraudulently claimed Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is meant for individuals who need help with daily tasks due to illness or disability.
How was she caught?
Investigators used surveillance and her own Facebook posts, which showed her taking part in marathons and competitive races.
