Lifeboat hero falsely claimed disability benefits

A member of a lifeboat crew who was honoured for his bravery during a heroic rescue was falsely claiming disability benefits at the time, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed yesterday.

Mason Bentley, 34, was presented with a national RNLI award in 2008 for his part in a daring rescue of swimmer in atrocious conditions while he was serving with the Flamborough Lifeboat, in East Yorkshire, the year before.

He was one of a three man crew who plucked the man to safety from 26-foot waves in the North Sea, off Flamborough Head. The crew was presented with the Walter and Elizabeth Groombridge Award which is given annually to the lifeboat crew who have performed the most meritorious service of the year.

But magistrates heard last week how Mr Bentley, who was also known as Alistair Docherty, was claiming a level of disability allowance meant for those whose problems affect their day-to-day living.

The DWP confirmed Mr Bentley, of North Yorkshire, admitted a charge of failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting his entitlement to benefits. He was given a six month curfew order and forced to pay £70 costs as well as having to repay £9,942.40 of falsely claimed benefits.

Minister for welfare reform Lord Freud said: “It’s cases like these that show us why welfare reform is needed. We have a duty to the taxpayer and our customers to make sure that these vital benefits only go to those who need them.”

Mr Bentley left the RLNI more than a year ago shortly after the investigation into his benefits claims began.