A disabled man claims he was forced into crime after his benefits were unfairly stopped.

Gerry Carlin says he was wrongly sanctioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) last year and his Universal Credit was cut to zero.

We previously reported how the 58-year-old, from Springburn, suffers from epilepsy and a brain injury meaning he cannot work, and had relied on the £74 a week to survive.

For three months he claims had no income and felt like he was “starving to death in modern times” which left him stealing cheese from a shop.

Gerry believes the stress from the situation also brought on more seizures and he now relies on a wheelchair as a result.

Glasgow Times: Gerry has won his case against the DWPGerry has won his case against the DWP (Image: Newsquest)

Glasgow Times: Gerry is speaking out about the reality of being left with no money during the cost-of-living crisis.Gerry is speaking out about the reality of being left with no money during the cost-of-living crisis. (Image: Newsquest)Gerry told the Glasgow Times: “I went months without any money at all, it was a complete nightmare and a very dark time.

“It nearly killed me, I had no money to eat and felt like I was starving to death in modern times.

“Things felt desperate for me and at a very low point I stole a block of cheese from a shop because I was so hungry.

“I had never committed a crime before and felt so guilty. I saved up and went back to pay, but the shopkeeper told me they knew I stole it and it was okay. They understood I was struggling.

“It made me even think about taking my own life, if it wasn’t for my pets I don’t think I would be here.”

Glasgow Times: Gerry is relived to have won the tribunal case against the DWP.Gerry is relived to have won the tribunal case against the DWP. (Image: Newsquest)

Gerry has now won his tribunal case with the DWP and hopes it inspires others to advocate for themselves.

He credits coverage of his case, published by the Glasgow Times, encouraged him to pursue his appeal.

He said: “Now that I have won my case I hope other people stand up for themselves with the DWP, it might feel hopeless but it is worth it.

“They cannot keep getting away with wrongful sanctions because they have extreme consequences for people.

“I just hope now I can move on with my life, I am excited to actually be able to have a Christmas this year now.

"I want to thank the Glasgow Times letting me raise awareness, it has been very helpful to me."

Glasgow Times: Gerry last year after being sanctioned by the DWPGerry last year after being sanctioned by the DWP (Image: Newsquest)

Glasgow Times: Gerry is hoping to move on with his life nowGerry is hoping to move on with his life now (Image: Newsquest)

A DWP spokesperson said: “Following the tribunal’s decision, Mr Carlin’s entitlement has now been recalculated and owed arrears have been paid.

“Any claimant who faces financial difficulties as the result of a sanction can apply for a recoverable hardship payment to cover essentials including food.”

If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, you are not alone.

Here are helpline numbers for anyone seeking help: Samaritans: Call 116 123.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Call 0800 58 58 58.

Childline: Call 0800 1111.

You can also text Shout to 85258 for 24-hour support in a crisis.