A benefits worker has gone on trial accused of claiming disability benefit which he was not entitled to.
John Forrester allegedly made a false statement on his online application form when he claimed for disability living allowance.
It is alleged that he claimed on February 28, 2010 to have disabilities that left him virtually unable to walk most of the time.
The charge against Forrester states that he received £2,537.85 that he was not entitled to because he could walk without assistance.
Forrester worked as a team leader in the Jobseeker's Allowance department of his local benefits office at the time.
The 50-year-old went on trial at Stonehaven Sheriff Court on Friday and the court heard Forrester told department of work and pension officials that he suffered from osteoarthritis and was in severe pain.
His claim for disability living allowance stated that his right knee locked without warning and the left was unstable.
It further stated that climbing stairs was painful and that he had fallen down stairs after his knee had given way.
Benefits decision maker Kevin Smith said Forrester's application was approved and he was granted the allowance a few weeks after he applied.
He stated that DLA claimants were not barred from working but the type of work they were employed in was always taken into account.
Forrester, of Glenfarquhar Crescent, Auchenblae, Aberdeenshire, denies the offence.
The trial continues.
