A Hampshire martial arts instructor duped the state out of thousands in disability benefits.

Paul Gargett, 55, was working at Warsash Maritime Centre while claiming his bad back made it difficult to move.

In 1992 Gargett, of Serotine Close, Fareham, became eligible for benefits but by 2004 his bad back had improved.

However, between March 2004 and November 2005, he claimed nearly £8,000.

At Portsmouth Crown Court, where he appeared with a stick and a portable cushion, he pleaded guilty to one count of failing to notify the DWP of a change in circumstances.

He was given a 26-week sentence, suspended for two years and a three-month curfew.