Benefits cheat claimed to be house-bound but had globe-trotting lifestyle

A BENEFITS cheat who said she was too scared to leave home was a globe-trotting tour guide, a court heard.

Tracy Johnson, 52, claimed she was a “prisoner in her own home” and had a fear of open spaces.

But a court was told yesterday she was living a “champagne lifestyle” as a travel writer and tour operator in Argentina.

Joanna James, prosecuting, also alleged Johnson spent four months travelling to India, New York and Spain.

“Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard Johnson picked up £50,000 in disability payments”

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard Johnson picked up £50,000 in disability payments, claiming she spent all day in her bedroom and had a friend caring for her daily.
Johnson, of Frome, Som, was arrested after an anonymous tip-off.
She denies 13 charges of fraud, dishonestly making a false representation and dishonestly failing to notify a change in circumstances.
The trial continues.