Not even fire is enough to hide from insurance fraud investigators.
The Shields Gazette has reported Anthony Patterson torched his car last year after losing control and crashing into a fence while speeding in wet conditions. He told police his car was stolen, and received a £1,175 pay out from his insurer.
Investigators found bumpers and a registration plate at the site of the accident, and the car burnt out a mile away, but Patterson still claimed he was not driving the car when it crashed. It was only after CCTV footage emerged of him at a service station 45 minutes before the accident that he admitted he panicked after the crash and attempted to cover up the truth.
Patterson’s defence said he made the false claim because he did not want to get the blame for the damage to his Grand Cherokee Jeep, which he had only owned for three weeks.
Patterson was fined £80, ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge. He also has to repay the £1,175 insurance pay-out he received.
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