A Falmouth man claiming disability allowances, who said he needed someone to keep an eye on him seven days a week because he could not get out of a seat unaided, could not attend to his own personal hygiene, cooking or feeding, was then seen playing golf and ten pin bowling and working as a taxi driver.

Altogether he claimed nearly £7,000, to which he was not entitled, prosecutor Graham Calderwood told Truro magistrates.

John Ernest Caulkin, aged 39, of Webber Hill Flats, pleaded guilty to failing to promptly notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change in circumstances that would affect his allowance by saying his capabilities had improved, between December 2008 and May 2012.

Mr Calderwood said Caulkin had claimed he needed help and private care frequently throughout the day and in planning and preparing meals, his personal hygiene, and also suffered from a lack of concentration.

Then it was discovered that he was doing private hire work as a taxi driver and on school contracts, performing a full range of duties including carrying luggage and maintaining vehicles, and also worked nights as a team leader in a supermarket, unloading lorries and stocking shelves. He later took on a job as a barman, and had been playing golf and ten pin bowls.

Interviewed, he said he had not reported his change in circumstances because he had good days and bad days, and disputed his condition had changed to any extent.

The over payment amounted to £6,900.85.

Caulkin had previous convictions for shoplifting, dishonest handling and theft.

He was given a community order for a year and told to do 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £150 costs.