A man has been convicted of insurance fraud and given a prison sentence today, after exaggerating his injuries and attempting to claim millions of pounds in compensation.
Michael Richards, 31, was involved in a serious car accident in 2004 which resulted in two fatalities. Mr Richards suffered head and orthopedic injuries in the accident which would have resulted in a substantial claim had he been honest. Instead he drastically exaggerated and attempted to claim GBP 2.3 million from the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB).
As a result he will receive no compensation for his genuine injuries and will spend four months behind bars.
The court was shown evidence of Mr Richards running errands and working out in the gym, which proved he had attempted to deceive professionals and family members about the severity of his injuries.
Ashton West, Chief Executive at MIB said: “MIB is a not for profit organisation that exists to support genuine claims from innocent victims that have sustained injuries caused by uninsured or untraced drivers. The attempt to claim money under false pretences was one driven by greed.
“This judgement sends a strong message that MIB, the insurance industry, courts and public will not tolerate false or fraudulent claims and these cases will be pursued with vigour.”
