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Fraudster in 2 Courts at the same time

Date:

21st September 2011

Team:

Civil, Civil Fraud.

Matthew Smith, a member of the Sovereign Chambers Fraud Team, successfully defended an insurance fraud claim in Leeds County Court.

The Claimant alleged he had been involved in a road traffic accident and suffered personal injuries and loss as a result.  The insurers of the absent Defendant driver did not believe him.

On the day of Trial the Claimant attended the County Court stating he needed to be away by lunch time as he had a matter in the Magistrates Court in the afternoon.  He said this was irrelevant to the County Court case.  He was cross-examined by Matthew and maintained this stance and also contended he was now working in a Pizza shop.

On standby to attend the Magistrates Court was Stuart Young, another member of the Sovereign Chambers Fraud Team.  Stuart attended the Magistrates Court and discovered that the Claimant in fact did not have a driving license at the time of the index accident and, in support of paying his fine by instalments, stated he was unemployed.

The County Court case was ultimately dismissed with indemnity costs and consideration being given to an application to the High Court for committal.