Ex-Mr Wales Peter Beddoe jailed for fraudulently claiming disability benefits while competing as bodybuilder

Peter Beddoe claimed he had difficulty walking while he was competing as a body builder

Bodybuilders flex their muscles on stage (Victor Fraile/Getty Images)

A former Mr Wales winner has been jailed for claiming over £28,000 in disability benefits before being caught competing in a body-building competition.

Peter Beddoe, 49, of Aberdare, South Wales, received the higher rate mobility component of the disability living allowance which is intended for people who have severe difficulty walking.

But in reality, Beddoe worked out at the gym every day and showcased his muscular body at events across the country.

Beddoe pleaded guilty to two charges of making dishonest representations to claim benefits and one of fraud between 2006 and 2013, the BBC reported.

He received a six month jail sentence at Merthyr Crown Court today.

Carolyn Davies, a Department for Work and Pensions fraud manager in South Wales, said: “It is our duty to ensure that benefit payments go to those who really need them and we are committed to cracking down on those who play the system.

"It's unfair that some people get support when they do not have a disability, while many people depend on the benefits system to provide a safety net.

She went on to advise claimants: "Deliberately not informing us of a change in your condition that may affect your claim is a crime. Don't wait for our fraud investigators to find you. Tell us of a change now."

Additional reporting by PA