A sharp-eyed judge rumbled a couple who claimed they were victims of disability benefit when he caught them speeding on their mobility scooters during a court break. 

Former Royal Artillery gunner David Hughes, 58, and his partner Wendy ran up a bill of over £10,000 by refusing to pay British Gas for over a decade.

When Hughes, of Annesley Avenue, Blackpool, appeared in court he told District Judge Gary Garland that he was registered  blind  and could not read documents sent to him.

Then his partner collapsed in court with apparent breathing problems and paramedics had to be called in.

But Judge Garland revealed that during a break in proceedings at Blackpool Magistrates Court he came across Hughes and his partner.

“They were speeding along the footpath in their electric buggies both of them smoking cigarettes,” he told Blackpool, Lancs magistrates court.

“Mr Hughes’ partner seemed fit and healthy.When they saw me they immediately slowed down.”