A serious burns victim today told how he had been left suicidal and struggling to survive after his disability allowance was slashed by £37 a week.

The cut came just weeks after an electricity firm agreed to stop billing him for repairs to the electricity cable which had caused his horrific injuries.

Angry - Matthew Nice had benefits cut Picture: ROB BROWNE

Plumber Matthew Nice, 31, still suffers terrifying flashbacks after being caught in the middle of two powerful explosions in March last year after hitting the cable while checking a water pipe in South Woodham Ferrers.

Mr Nice, of Market Avenue, Wickford, received six letters demanding £375 from 24seven and was threatened with court action if he did not pay until the Evening Echo took up his case and the charge was dropped.

Mr Nice, married with a two-year-old daughter, said he tried to commit suicide three weeks ago, unable to cope with mental and physical pain and financial stress

A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said: "The decision was based on the information we received in the self-assessment renewal form. Mr Nice has the right to ask us to change it."

Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003

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