Churchill Insurance has won a ‘slam-on’ case against Shahid Hussain, who was handed an immediate two-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to eight of 16 false statements made in court.
Hussain, who deliberately slammed on his brakes in 2013 to cause a collision with a Churchill Insurance policyholder, was also ordered to pay £14,000 in costs. He would have received an immediate prison sentence of 12 months had he contested the allegations against him and been found guilty.
The fraudulent claimant was originally seeking compensation for supposed whiplash injuries as well as significant vehicle hire and repair costs. However, it was found that there had been no reason for him to suddenly brake along a slip road while trying to join the A500 near Stoke-on-Trent.
“Although the sentence was short, the judge felt the fraud was sufficiently serious that Mr Hussain went straight to prison, sending a clear message that there are serious consequences for those who commit fraud,” commented DAC Beachcroft counter fraud partner Jemma Lewis. “DAC Beachcroft has secured a number of custodial sentences in the last 12 months, with judges moving away from suspended sentences and ensuring that fraudsters actually spend time behind bars.”
The claim was valued in excess of £30,000, according to Churchill Insurance counter fraud manager Mark Chiappino, who stressed that the provider will use the full weight of the law against fraudsters in order to protect innocent customers.
“The actions of this individual were not only dishonest but also dangerous to himself and other road users,” added Chiappino. “If people feel they have been the victim of a deliberate attempt to create an accident, they should notify their insurers of their concerns immediately, take photographs if safe to do so, and obtain witness details at the scene.”
