Tina Farnsworth, 57, who falsely claimed she could not bathe or dress herself, has avoided an immediate jail sentence after defrauding the taxpayer of £37,089 in enhanced personal independence payment (PIP). Despite insisting she could not perform household tasks, she was filmed serving drinks at two Barnsley pubs and travelling to Florida and Dublin without assistance.
Fraud uncovered by tip-off and surveillance
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) received a tip-off that Farnsworth was working at Pour House 22 and Black Velvet Bar in Barnsley. Surveillance footage from 2024 showed her pouring drinks, taking payments, and loading boxes into her Range Rover—contradicting her claims of severe disability. She had alleged she could not walk more than 50 metres, use public transport, drive, or manage finances without support.
Court proceedings and defence
At Sheffield Crown Court, Farnsworth was handed a suspended jail sentence for fraud. Her defence lawyer, Vanessa Saxton, stated that Farnsworth had lived with multiple sclerosis (MS) since age 36 and that her benefit claims were based on her worst days. The court heard that the overpayment of £37,089 occurred over five years between 2019 and 2024.
Consequences and recovery efforts
Farnsworth now faces a loss of benefit penalty for a minimum of 13 weeks if she re-applies for benefits. The DWP intends to recover the full amount under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Andrew Western, minister for transformation, commented: 'The message is clear – don’t think you can steal from hardworking taxpayers. Whatever your reasons for committing benefit fraud, know that our investigators are wise to every trick in the book, and we will find you. And if you know somebody is fleecing the system, report it.'
