A former supermarket worker caught running a chilli sauce business while receiving compensation for a work-related injury has been ordered to pay back more than $117,000.

Gary Janson was sentenced at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last month after earlier pleading guilty to fraudulently obtaining payments, WorkSafe Victoria says.

As well as paying back the money, the 58-year-old must complete 220 hours of unpaid community work.

The court heard Janson began receiving weekly compensation payments in June 2014 after lodging a claim for a shoulder injury sustained at work.

But he started a chilli sauce business in October 2021, selling products online and at markets, shows and festivals across Victoria and interstate, a WorkSafe investigation found.

He did not disclose his business and continued to submit certificates declaring he had not worked and had no capacity to work, receiving $117,121 in compensation payments before they were terminated in October 2023.

Janson claimed the business was his son’s and maintained he could not even lift his arm.

But WorkSafe says records revealed Janson was registered as the sole director, secretary and shareholder – and the company’s website listed him as the owner.

Surveillance footage showed him setting up and packing away market stalls, lifting and carrying large boxes, and raising both arms for extended periods of time.

There were multiple opportunities for Janson to declare he was working, acting WorkSafe executive director of integrity, risk and resilience Jane Barker said.

“It’s disappointing to see the blatant dishonesty shown by this worker over multiple years,” she said.

“Exploiting a system that supported you when you were unable to earn an income is not only selfish – it’s a criminal offence that will be met with serious consequences.”