PICTURED: Rotherham benefits cheat who claimed she couldn't walk unaided caught riding horse

A SHAMELESS fraudster who went horse riding while continuing to claim thousands in disability benefits has been handed a community order by a court.

Michelle Hanney (51, pictured) claimed both Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit, saying she could only walk between 20 and 50 metres and needed a wheelchair when going outside.

But investigators from Department for Work and Pensions spotted Facebook pictures showing her walking without any aids and even riding a horse, with follow-up surveillance showing her walking the horse.

The DWP said Hanney, of South Street, Greasbrough, had been caught stealing £33,711.24 in benefits but convicted on a lesser amount of £10,384.50.

She appeared before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and was sentenced to a 12-month community order, whilst the DWP plans to take steps to recover the full ill-gotten gains.

Hanney was also ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge but no order for costs was made.

Tom Pursglove, the minister responsible for tackling fraud, said: “The vast majority of disability benefit claims are correct, and we know the difference that these benefits can make to people.

“However, there is a small minority of people out to cheat the system.

“This conviction is another example of our relentless focus on finding those taking the taxpayer for a ride and bringing them to justice.”