A DISABLED man who claimed he was crippled with arthritis was exposed as a benefits cheat — when he was spotted refereeing football matches.

Terry Langford, aged 62, of Corranstone Close, Horwich, got the highest level of allowance and was also receiving care because he said he was unable to cook or dress himself.

But yesterday, a video was played to a court which showed him: ● Kicking a football while officiating a game ● Running up and down the pitch to keep up with players ● Ducking under a fence when making his way on to the pitch ● Bending over to collect his possessions at the end of a game.

At Bolton Magistrates’ Court, Langford pleaded guilty to failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change in circumstances which would affect his entitlement to disability living allowance.

Joanne Tang, prosecuting on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions, said: “He claimed he was virtually unable to walk and could only go short distances before needing to stop and rest.

“It is his responsibility to inform the DWP about any changes or improvements in his disability.

“Video footage was taken of him when he was refereeing and he was seen walking 100 yards from one end of the pitch to the other, and jogging and keeping up with play. He was able to stop, start, swivel and turn.”

The court heard Langford had been claiming benefits since 1987 after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which affected his hands, knees, feet and hips.

However, officials from the Department of Work and Pensions received a tip-off to the Benefit Fraud Hotline in 2009, claiming Langford’s condition was not as bad as he was claiming.

An undercover surveillance operation was launched which led to him being filmed while officiating at a number of junior league football matches for the North West Football League in September.

Video footage also shows Langford stopping to issue a yellow card.

He is seen in another match bending over to pick up belongings and talking to spectators. The court heard he had officiated for the North West Football League from 2008 to 2010.

Adam Whittaker, defending, said: “It is not a suggestion that he had set out to defraud the department or that there was any element of dishonesty.

“He came to my office in June with a summons and was very upset. He is of impeccable previous character.

“He was refereeing for junior matches as part of his rehabilitation exercises, as suggested by a specialist consultant.”

Langford was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £75 costs. It was calculated he was overpaid £2,777 which he must repay.

After the case, Anti-fraud Minister Lord Freud said: “It is cases like these that show us why welfare reform is needed.

“We have a duty to the taxpayer and our customers to make sure that these vital benefits only go to those who need them.

“Benefit fraud takes money away from the most vulnerable. It is a crime and we are committed to stopping it by catching criminals at the front line and making sure our reforms make the benefit systemless open to abuse.”

Outside court, Langford said: “I was encouraged to try and be as active as possible.

This was bloody mindedness and willpower drove me to do this, but it is considered to be too much for my condition.

“I did not do this on purpose and would not have done this if I thought it was illegal. I am sorry for any inconvenience I have caused anyone and I feel like crying.”