Ex-mayor of Sefton described 'misery' of illness

Sep 20 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

A MERSEYSIDE councillor needed 24- hour care and attention in the months leading to his election as mayor, Liverpool Crown Court heard yesterday.

John Walker, the former mayor of Sefton, is accused with his wife Catie, 49, of plotting to swindle thousands of pounds in state benefits.

The jury heard extracts from Walker’s benefits forms in which he described the misery caused by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, commonly known as ME, and the muscle condition fibromyalgia.

Sharon Sevar, from the Department of Work and Pensions, read from copies of the claim forms submitted between 1999 and 2004 in which Walker, of Bootle, described the pain and suffering.

Walker, a former Labour councillor, said in the documents that at times he was unable to dress or feed himself, or use the toilet without help.

He listed “heavy night sweats” and swollen hands, arms and legs as effects of the illnesses, and said walking long distances caused extreme pain and discomfort.

The prosecution alleges the couple, who were not married at the time of the alleged offences, embellished the truth and lied in order to obtain the money.

They are also accused of failing to disclose payments he received for being an elected official, and which Mrs Walker received for working for a taxi firm.

The couple deny the allegations.

The case continues.