False injury claim leads to big legal bill

The woman, aged 72, made a compensation claim against the council stating that she had fallen over in May 2021 in Dunelm Road, Hetton, due to a defective pavement and fractured her elbow.

The claim was turned down by the council and the claimant produced a witness who said the pavement defect was a long-standing one. This witness, it was said, had only been known in passing to the claimant at the time of the accident, both being dog walkers in the area.

Further enquiries by the council revealed that not only had the claimant known the witness before the accident, but they were also known through social media. There were further connections through business interests and a connection with the witness' son's address.

Because the council was not convinced that this accident had occurred as stated, the case proceeded to trial on Monday 4 November and was heard at Newcastle County Court in Barras Bridge.

In his judgment, Judge Murphy found that the claimant was 'fundamentally dishonest' with the account given by the claimant and her witness to be a 'tremendous coincidence'.

The judge stated that he had no difficulties finding that evidence from both the claimant and witness was 'untruthful' and added: "I do not find that she fell in this hole." 

She was ordered to pay legal fees in the sum of £19,992.50 by Monday 18 November 2024.

Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Equalities, Councillor Alison Smith said: "This is another example of the council taking a firm stance against those who seek to defraud the council and the residents of our city.

"Fraud is not a victimless crime and this was a very deliberate attempt to take public money for personal gain. The costs of this case will be vigorously pursued."

In recent years, the council has been awarded almost £73,000 in costs following fraudulent court cases and the recovery of these costs is on-going.