Taxi Driver Online

This story which we highlighted some time ago has finally got to court.
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September 18, 2007 Tuesday.

MAYOR AND WIFE 'LIED TO GET STATE BENEFITS'

A former Merseyside mayor and his wife embellished the truth and lied in order to obtain state benefits, a court has heard.

John Walker, 57, the former mayor of Sefton, and his wife Catie, 49, each face three charges of conspiring to fraudulently obtain disability living allowance and income support between 1999 and 2005.

The charges relate to the couple's failure to declare Mr Walker's £14,531 a year expenses as councillor and mayor, and Catie Walker's £70-100 a week job as a taxi escort for disabled children. The couple deny the charges.

Teresa Loftus, prosecuting at Liverpool Crown Court, told the jury the couple, from Bootle, had on three occasions completed benefits applications which claimed Mr Walker suffered several disabilities and needed round-the-clock care from his wife.

She said this took place as Mr Walker became increasingly involved in community activities becoming firstly a councillor and then the ceremonial mayor of Sefton.

She said: ``He said he was unable to walk more than 20-25 yards without severe pain and discomfort. He said he needed assistance when outdoors as he suffered from dizziness and blackouts, frequently falling or stumbling.

``He said he was unable to cook or prepare a meal and due to poor memory and concentration forgets to take his medication.

``These forms were submitted while John Walker was involved in community groups and worked as a governor at a local school.''

Among the evidence to be shown to the jury will be surveillance videos of Mr Walker engaged in mayoral activities which saw him often standing for long lengths of time at public events, and on one occasion running from a stage to help a cadet who had tripped over during a service. Other surveillance videos show him making speeches and engaged in political campaigning.

She said: ``The evidence shows the benefits claims were at best dishonestly embellished and at worst a complete tissue of lies.''
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Continuing saga of Seftons Ex Mayor.
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EX-MAYOR 'NEEDED 24-HOUR CARE AND ATTENTION'

A Merseyside councillor needed 24-hour care and attention in the months leading to his election as mayor, a court has heard.

John Walker, the former mayor of Sefton, is accused with his wife Catie, 49, of plotting to swindle thousands of pounds in state benefits.

Liverpool Crown Court heard extracts from Walker's benefits forms in which he described the misery caused by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, commonly known as ME, and the muscle condition fibromyalgia.

Sharon Sevar, from the Department of Work and Pensions, read from copies of the claim forms submitted between 1999 and 2004 in which Walker, of Bootle, described the pain and suffering.

Walker, a former Labour councillor, said in the documents that at times he was unable to dress or feed himself or use the toilet without help.

He listed ``heavy night sweats'' and swollen hands, arms and legs as effects of the illnesses and said walking long distances caused extreme pain and discomfort.

The prosecution alleges the couple, who were not married at the time of the alleged offences, embellished the truth and lied in order to obtain the cash.

They are also accused of failing to disclose payments he received for being an elected official and which Mrs Walker received for working for a taxi firm.

The couple deny the allegations.
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The Times (London)

September 19, 2007, Wednesday

LIVERPOOL "Five mayors, two MPs and a former Liverpool footballer" are due to testify at the trial of a former Merseyside mayor and his wife accused of fraudulently claiming £ 65,000 in benefits.

John Walker, 57, Mayor of Sefton in 2005, claimed that he could hardly walk, suffered blackouts and forgot to take medication while at the same time attending mayoral functions.

Mr Walker and his wife, Catie, 49, denied three charges of conspiracy each at their trial at Liverpool Crown Court. Among the witnesses for the prosecution is Phil Thompson, a former footballer and Sky pundit.

The Walkers, from Bootle, Merseyside, are accused of making fraudulent claims for disability living allowance and income support between 1999 and 2005. The court heard that the couple failed to declare Mr Walker's £ 14,531-a-year expenses as mayor and as a Labour councillor for Manor Ward, Crosby, and Mrs Walker's earnings of £ 70 to £ 100 a week as an escort for disabled children.

The trial continues.
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