A 'WHEELCHAIR-BOUND' gran who claimed £9,000 in disability benefits but was seen jetting off to a Florida theme park has avoided jail.

Wendy Needham, of Hobart Road, Coalway, Coleford, was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work when she appeared before district Judge Joti Bopa-Rai at Gloucester Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The 50-year-old, who legitimately claimed disability living allowance in 1994 for a spinal injury, sciatica and asthma, made a "substantial recovery" in 2005 – but continued to claim.

Needham had pleaded guilty to making false statements to receive benefits amounting to £8,793 between October 2005 and October 2007.

Peter Richardson, prosecuting on behalf of the Department for Works and Pensions, told the court: "An investigation by the department revealed that she was seen enjoying walking, dancing, cycling, playing skittles, gardening and even going on holiday to Florida, where she visited theme parks.

"Despite her health improving vastly in 2005 she did not notify the department and made signed declarations that there had been no improvements.

"There was an overpayment of £8,793 but she has no previous convictions."

Defending solicitor Lucy Beale said: "Although my client is still claiming benefit on a reduced rate she is currently paying back the amount she over-claimed.

"So far she has paid back some £1,500 and now owes the department £7,240.

"She has shown great remorse for the situation she finds herself in and is anxious to pay back more.

After reading a pre-sentence report, Judge Bopa-Rai sentenced Needham, who was in tears after the proceedings, to a 12-month community order, with a requirement to do 150 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay costs of £150.