Fraudster jailed for contempt of court following exaggerated £350,000 RTA claim

Hastings Direct and legal advisors Horwich Farelly (HF) have secured a custodial sentence for a fraudster who dishonestly exaggerated her road traffic accident claim for damages to an excess of £350,000. 

Involved in the minor accident on 4 May 2017, Jody Poole issued proceedings claiming damages alleging that she had suffered abdominal swelling, increased blood pressure, headaches and seizures leading to a diagnosis of Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder. 

Poole claimed she had not worked since the accident and her income was limited to benefits she received from DWP and that she required extensive care.

Following an investigation, it was found that Poole’s claim was almost entirely fabricated and that the injuries would have been limited to only soft-tissue damage.

Surveillance evidence spanning 18 days over a 26-month period revealed that Poole was mobile and working at her café taking orders, waiting on customers and bringing in stock. 

Hastings Direct, on behalf of Advantage Insurance, alleged fundamental dishonesty against Poole and in June 2022 she admitted guilt.

As a result, she agreed to repay an interim payment of £5,000 plus interest and pay Advantage’s costs of £73,422.

Peter Lane, head of large and complex loss at Hastings Direct said: “Hastings Direct is committed to investigating, identifying and challenging fraudulent claims to help keep insurance costs affordable for our honest customers.

”We hope the outcome of this case sends a clear message that fraud will not be tolerated against Hastings Direct.”

Sentencing

Poole’s conduct led HF and Hastings Direct to pursue an application for contempt of court where it was ruled that she had to serve an immediate two-month custodial sentence. 

The convicted had denied being present at the café on any day other than those highlighted in the footage despite the overwhelming evidence  suggesting the contrary. 

Alex Wilkinson, partner at HF and head of the firm’s large loss fraud and technical fraud teams, said: “This outcome is a salutary reminder for claimants who may be tempted to dishonestly exaggerate their claims.

“Not only could they lose any genuine damages they would be entitled to but, if their dishonesty is as egregious as Poole’s, their liberty is at stake. Poole compounded her own dishonest actions by not admitting to them during the committal action which played a significant role in ensuring her sentence.”