A PARALYMPIC bronze medallist was locked up yesterday for swindling £33,000 in benefits.

Basketball star Ademola Orogbemi, 30, was part of Team GB’s medal-winning team at the Beijing Olympics.

But now the father-of-two, known as Ade, is behind bars for six months after he was caught falsely claiming a string of benefits while receiving generous grants from the UK Sports Council.

Jailing Orogbemi, who was wearing his England tracksuit top, Judge Bryn Holloway said he had been an inspiration.

He said: “You were a member of the British Paralympic basketball team which won a bronze medal in Beijing.

“I have no doubt you were a role model, an inspiration, within the community and no doubt to those who have similar disabilities to yourself.”

Judge Holloway added: “It is sad to see someone of your standing in this position. But this was a persistent, long-running series of deliberate dishonesties on your part.”

Liverpool Crown Court heard Wolverhampton Rhinos player Orogbemi, who also has gold, silver and two bronze medals from basketball world championships, received an award from UK Sport in April, 2001.

The grant, which came from the National Lottery to help the training of international athletes, was reduced because he honestly declared he claimed income support.

But Mr Stables told the court when Orogbemi’s grant was up for renewal, in January, 2002, he changed his story to get the extra cash, insisting he was no longer receiving benefits.