A FORMER Kidderminster Harriers doorman collapsed in the dock at Worcester Crown Court as he was about to be sentenced for a £48,000 benefits fraud.

Cheating Clive Parsons, who was suffering breathing problems and chest pain, was given first aid before being taken by ambulance to hospital. During a four-year scam, Parsons, who twice stood as a candidate in Wyre Forest District Council elections, pretended he could only walk two yards in 20 seconds due to illness.

But an undercover team from the Department of Work and Pensions filmed him going to a bus stop unaided, getting onto a bus without difficulty and walking 2,000 metres during a shopping trip.

Parsons, aged 64, of Cotswold Close, Birchen Coppice, Kidderminster, pleaded guilty to three charges of making false claims for disability living allowance, incapacity benefit and pension credit when he was employed.

As his defence counsel Liz De’Oliveira addressed Judge Richard Rundell, Parsons became ill.

The case was adjourned and sentencing will take place when the defendant is well enough to attend court again.

Kevin Saunders, prosecuting, said Parsons began claiming benefit genuinely on the grounds that he was incapable of work through arthritis, angina and hypertension.

He complained that he had problems walking, frequently stumbled, needed to be accompanied and was unable to cook due to pain.

But “the mischief” began in January 2003 when he started work at the Harriers’ Sports and Social Club, taking home an average weekly income of £135, said Mr Saunders.

He put in up to 30 hours a week collecting entrance fees and walking around selling raffle tickets, leaving his two sticks behind the reception desk.

Mr Saunders said Parsons was a large man, which was why he was suitable for the job. No one at the club was aware he was disabled and he never suggested that he had difficulties.

But following a complaint, Parsons was put under surveillance. He was filmed walking unaided with a normal gait and at a brisk pace. At times he had a slight limp. The con went on until June last year by which time he had collected a total of £48,687 in benefits.

Parsons – who stood in Lickhill Ward last year and Sutton Park in 2006 – told investigators he had “good days and bad days” and claimed he only worked up to 13 hours a week.

In 1996 he was sentenced to 15 months’ jail, suspended for two years, for obtaining property by deception.

He was well-liked in the community and helped run luncheon clubs for the elderly, said Mrs De’Oliveira.

But his health was not good and he had to rely on others because he was unable to read or write.