Personal injury claim against council found out to be fake
A man could face criminal prosecution after making an accident claim against his local authority that turned out to be fake.
Craig Alan Johnson, 31, of Wigan, attempted to sue for compensation, alleging that he had suffered personal injury by tripping over an uneven paving stone in Hindley in 2006. It was claimed that his alleged fall was due to the council’s failure to safely maintain the pavement for pedestrians.
However, shortly after the investigation began, the council found inconsistencies in Johnson’s version of events. This led to Judge Peter Main QC deciding to completely reject Johnson’s version, suggesting that the evidence was “not accurate or acceptable,” and that he felt as though he was “being misled” by the attempted compensation claim.
Paul Prescott, Wigan Council’s Cabinet Lifestyles Champion, said: “We are pleased with the court’s decision because it shows how effective our investigations can be. It sends the message that if you make such allegations and they are not true, you are very likely to be caught out. Compensation claims cost money, hit council services and they hit the people that pay for those services through their Council Tax.”
As a result of his actions, Johnson could now face a criminal investigation for his fraudulent personal injury claim.