Gerry Sherard, the 65-year-old stuntman known for his role in the 1983 film Return of the Jedi, was exposed for fraudulently claiming £30,000 in benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Despite enjoying a lavish lifestyle valued at around £400,000, Sherard claimed Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction between 2016 and 2020 under false pretenses.
Sherard submitted at least five claims during this period, falsely stating he had no savings and did not own any property. However, investigations revealed he owned multiple luxury properties, including a holiday home in Burgundy, France, and real estate in Dubai.
The fraud came to light after social media posts shared by Sherard’s wife showcased their expensive lifestyle, featuring visits to the Ritz, Royal Ascot, private jet journeys, and even moments relaxing in a jacuzzi. These images prompted a tip-off that led to an official inquiry.
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During proceedings at Guildford Crown Court, prosecutor Edward Elton highlighted Sherard’s deliberate failure to declare his property ownership and dishonest statements made during appointments and on housing forms. Judge Robert Fraser condemned the behaviour as “an abhorrent type of offending,” emphasizing the impact of fraudulent claims on those genuinely in need.
Despite the evidence, Sherard was spared jail time. After the verdict, he claimed he did not fully understand the consequences of his actions, citing personal struggles linked to his wife’s kidnapping in Dubai.
The case underscores ongoing efforts by the DWP to crack down on benefits fraud. The new Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill aims to protect public funds more effectively by enhancing the detection, prevention, and recovery of fraud-related losses across the public sector.