A female darts champion who claimed she was too disabled to work was exposed as a benefits cheat after she played in a string of tournaments.
Frances Thompson was warned she faced a suspended jail sentence after getting £23,790 in disability allowances between September 2000 and November 2004 while playing regularly in ladies' darts tournaments.
She had claimed her chronic spine disease left her in constant pain and unable to walk or fend for herself. But after she was pictured in a local newspaper accepting two trophies, a tip-off to the DWP led to an investigation and she admitted benefits fraud.
The case was adjourned and Thompson, who walked into Newcastle Crown Court with a cane, was released on bail.
Recorder Graeme Hyland said: 'She is 55, she is of good character, and she is in poor health.
'This offending clearly crosses the custody threshold but prison is not the place for this woman. I have in mind imposing a suspended sentence.'
She is not of good character! She is a thief who stole nearly £24,000!
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