'Blind' man caught driving boat

A US man who claimed to be blind in order to collect the disability pension has been caught out as a fraud after he was spotted driving a speedboat.

Lawrence Popp, 58, had claimed A$200,975 in disability benefits declaring that his condition prevented him from driving or reading.

In reality, Popp, a wealthy businessman, continued his lavish jet setting lifestyle while collecting his disability benefits for five years.

Popp's scheme came to an abrupt end this week after federal agents caught him behind-the-wheel of a ski boat, a snowmobile and driving a car to and from his benefits office.

Popp has been sentenced to one year in prison.

Source: Journey Sentinel

Author: Natasha Lee, Approving editor: Nick Pearson