Benefit fraud linesman sentenced
BBC news channel / 19th May 2008
A football referee and linesman who officiated in 67 matches while claiming mobility and care allowances has been given a suspended jail term.

Keith McNiffe, 49, who earlier this year stood aside as mayor of Pembroke, must repay £9,223 and also carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard he was twice secretly filmed as a linesman.

He had admitted two charges of failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change in circumstances.

Prosecuting, Alex Ferguson told the court that McNiffe had been claiming both mobility and care allowances at the highest rate since 2002.

Between 2005 and 2007 he had officiated in 67 matches.

Mr Ferguson said on two occasions in 2007 he was secretly filmed by DWP investigators "running up and down the sidelines of the pitch while acting as a linesman." He said McNiffe had also passed a Football Association of Wales fitness assessment.

In mitigation, Shaun Dyer said that the information given by McNiffe in 2002 to DWP was correct.

He said following an operation in 2005 McNiffe had been advised by his doctor to "increase his exercise regime" as his weight had ballooned by 12 stone.

He said McNiffe had undertaken officiating duties as his only form of exercise but now accepted that he should have notified officials of his change in circumstances.

He said McNiffe had stood down as the mayor of Pembroke and the case had brought widespread media coverage that had meant he had lost his position of trust within the community.