Darts-playing blind man investigated for benefit fraud

A blind man who scored a perfect 180 in a charity darts match he'd arranged came under investigation for disability benefit fraud as a result.

Robert Boon, from Paignton, Devon, helped organise the 10-hour event, which raised £500 to train guide dogs for the blind. He says that he was able to throw so well because it was a repetitive action - and points out that he had ten hours in which to achieve the feat.

But, after a complaint from someone that he was "too good", the 50-year-old was shocked to receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), saying his eligibility to claim benefits needed to be reassessed.

"I got a letter saying I had to attend a meeting. I felt humiliated because I don't think it is right to report me when I have tried to do something good," he tells the Torquay Herald Express.

I rang the hospital to get my medical records on my eye condition. I don't see why people should put me down. I feel really intimidated now. I am registered blind and can't see virtually anything out of one eye and shadows in the other."

Fortunately, Mr Boon says that the DWP has since told him that it won't be cutting his benefits. And he says the experience won't stop him with his charity efforts, and that he already has a comedy evening lined up.

Under the coalition, the DWP has tightened up its procedures on disability and other benefits significantly. And while many flagrant benefits cheats have been caught out, campaigners warn that many more are suffering unfairly.

Earlier this month, for example, a Northampton woman suffering from chronic pain after a car accident took her own life after receiving a letter from the DWP demanding the repayment of £4,000 in benefits.

County coroner Anne Pember said she believed that the "upset caused by the potential withdrawal of her benefits had been the trigger for her to end her life".

Indeed, according to a report released by an all-party committee of MPs last week, there have been 40 cases of people taking their own lives because of problems with welfare payments since 2012. The committee is calling for an independent review.

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