A RETIRED firefighter with arthritis was told by doctors to play golf – then taken to court for wrongly claiming benefits.
David Keating, a former Hurlston Hall member in Scarisbrick, was ordered to do community service and pay back more than £7,000 in benefits to the DSS.
But the money was returned to him when, after a separate appeal to social security commissioners, it was ruled there had never been an overpayment.
Now Mr Keating, 65, of Phillips Lane, Formby, said although he feels too ill to return to court to have his conviction overturned, he wants people to know he did nothing wrong.
“This has ruined my life. I had never been in trouble but since this happened I have had three heart implants. I want people to know I won my appeal.”
A fireman for 25 years, Mr Keating was unable to work because of arthritis in both legs. He wears a brace on one leg.
He said a DSS doctor told him to play golf as part of his treatment but he was prosecuted because golf was considered a sign he had improved.
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