Five people have been sentenced to a total of over 32 years in prison following a joint investigation by Hill Dickinson Fraud Unit, Chaucer Insurance and Thames Valley Police. The case concluded at Reading Crown Court with all individuals being found guilty for their involvement in the fatal road traffic collision in Denham on 11 June 2011.
Hill Dickinson was appointed, by the Chaucer Fraud Team following concerns about the initial claim. Hill Dickinson Fraud Unit, in conjunction with Chaucer and Thames Valley Police undertook a complex investigation to secure the intelligence required to successfully bring the case to trial.
The landmark case is believed to be the first of its kind in the country, as the deliberately-caused accident, arranged as part of a plan to commit insurance fraud, led to a second collision causing the death of an innocent member of the public.
Chris Hallett, Director of Intel & Complex Fraud at Hill Dickinson commented: “These sentences send a clear message to the criminals committing insurance fraud who have no regard for the human consequences, that you will be tracked down and prosecuted. Joint collaboration and a commitment across the industry, and law enforcement agencies to bring fraudsters to justice is delivering results.”
Sgt Jim Upton, Road Death Investigation Team from the Three Mile Cross Roads Policing department, said “The crash for cash culture has become more prevalent in our society, but this is the first known fatality as a result of an induced crash. Today’s sentences should serve as a warning that there are severe consequences to those who commit this crime. Thames Valley Police and our partners are absolutely determined to identify and dismantle this type of organised criminality, bring the offenders to justice and keep our roads safe.”
Dawn Probert, Divisional Claims Director at Chaucer Insurance said “We extend our sympathies to Miss Gill’s family and friends. This tragic accident reminds us how important it is that insurers have robust fraud prevention and detection strategies in place; so we can detect fraudulent activity, report those involved, and prevent the costs from being passed on to policy holders. Chaucer remains committed to reducing fraud and the outcome of this tragic incident sends a clear warning to potential fraudsters of the penalties they could face.”
Sentencing Details:
Andrzej Boguslaw Skowron, aged 25, from Shelley Gardens, Wembley, has been sentenced to 10 years for causing death by dangerous driving and conspiracy to commit fraud.
Radoslaw Piotr Bielawski, aged 24, from Rosewood Avenue, Greenford has been sentenced to 10 years and three months for causing death by dangerous driving and conspiracy to commit fraud. He pleaded guilty to doing acts tending to pervert the course of justice.
Jacek Kowalczyk, aged 32, from Fraser Road, Perivale, Greenford, has been sentenced to 10 years and three months for causing death by dangerous driving, conspiracy to commit fraud and doing acts tending to pervert the course of justice.
Artur Okrutny, aged 23, from Briar Road, London, has been sentenced to 12 months for doing acts tending to pervert the course of justice.
Colin Lee, aged 32, from York Place, Aylesbury, has been sentenced to 12 months for causing death by careless driving. Lee was not involved in the plans to stage a collision for financial greed but was the driver of the van that fatally collided with the victim.
