THIS is Gwent man Steven Paul Paskin refereeing a football match - at the same time he was claiming disabiity benefit.

Yesterday, Paskin, 46, of Hornbeam Walk, Bassaleg, appeared before Caerphilly magistrates and admitted falsely claiming disability benefits.

Paskin was charged with falsely claiming £17,375 of disability living allowance between May 2003 and June 2007.

Prosecutor Ian Williams told the court that an investigation by the Department for Work and Pensions discovered that Paskin failed to notify authorities to a change in his health which would effect his allowance.

He said: “It was recorded that Mr Paskin passed a fitness test for the Gwent County Football Association on May 14, 2003.”

He added that investigators managed to secretly film Paskin officiating at several football matches for the Gwent County FA, which showed an inconsistency with the disability allowance he was claiming. After the hearing, A DWP spokesman said the films had been taken at Cwmbran Celtic v Risca United on April 11 2007, and Caerleon FC v Caldicot FC on Aprtil 18, 2007.

The court heard Paskin received a middle-rate care disability allowance while refereeing, which is reserved specifically for people who require regular care throughout the day.

Exact details of the disability he was claiming for were not revealed in court.

After the hearing, Kevin McGrath, the Department for Work and Pensions’ fraud investigator in charge of the case, said the prosecution was the result of a widespread enquiry targeting football referees.

It was part of the same investigation which saw the Mayor of Pembroke, Keith McNiffe, sentenced to four months suspended for 18 months for a similar offence earlier this year.

Mr McGrath said: “This case was a proactive investigation and shows we will use surveillance when we suspect fraudulent claims are taking place, and use the power of the courts if necessary.”

A spokesman for the Gwent County Football Association refused to comment on the court proceedings but confirmed that Paskin had not registered to referee the new football season.

Paskin was released on unconditional bail and the case has been committed for sentence at Newport Crown Court on August 15.