A semi-professional footballer caught tweeting about playing football 24 hours after making a dishonest insurance claim for whiplash has been sentenced to four months in jail, suspended for 12 months, after admitting contempt of court.
Gary Burnett, 24, made the claim following an accident at a McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant in Birkenhead, Merseyside, in October 2013.
Burnett claimed he had suffered injuries to his neck and back, which left him unable to play for his team – Cheshire-based Northwich Victoria – for around four weeks.
However, on social media, he posted a tweet referring to an away match he was playing in, just one day after the accident.
Burnett also boasted about playing in and scoring in the FA Trophy less than three weeks after the accident.
At a court hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Burnett admitted being in contempt of court – he has already been ordered to pay costs of more than £11,000 to insurer Aviva, after Wigan County Court ruled his claim was fundamentally dishonest in July 2015.
Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP instigated contempt proceedings in 2015. After the High Court hearing, Mr Buckland said:
“This is a serious case, highlighted by blatant dishonesty and a clear contempt by the offender.
“Burnett knowingly lied in order to benefit himself – and the public interest demanded that proceedings be taken forward.
“Burnett is now deservedly paying the penalty for his actions – and I hope this sends a message to anyone tempted to try and do the same thing.”
Duncan Lewis Fraud Lawyers
Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving fraud, including charges relating to:
• Benefit fraud
• Company fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Financial fraud
• Housing fraud
• Identity fraud
• Immigration fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Motor insurance fraud
• Online fraud
• Personal injury fraud
• Ticketing fraud
• White collar crime.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence lawyer can usually attend interview under caution at a police station within an hour, as well as attending interviews with DWP, SFO, FCA, BIS, HMRC, Insolvency Service and City of London Police.
For expert legal advice on fraud charges, call Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers on 0333 772 0409.
For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.