A man tried to make a claim for compensation for injury in Leeds after he allegedly tripped on a paving slab and smashed his knee on a BT junction box. However, it emerged in Leeds court that the man had damaged his knee after being involved in a fight.
The man’s compensation claim for £617,000 was thrown out of Leeds court and the man, twenty-four-year-old Ryan Kirk, was given a 1 year prison sentence. Luckily his sentence was suspended for 2 years
In addition to the suspended sentence, Mr Kirk has to pay the legal bills of the council, which amount to £10,832, and he has to complete 240 hours of community service.
Kerry McGill, the judge presiding over the case, stated that Kirk’s father (who knew of the fraudulent claim yet convinced his son to continue to make it) would be facing a heavy sentence if he were to be charged. Ryan Kirk however escaped a more severe penalty because of his learning difficulties, which the judge took into account.
Judge McGill commented on fraudulent compensation claims:
These claims are a blight on the public purse. They can cause all sorts of problems.
You were a stupid boy … consider yourself an extremely fortunate young man. And a word of warning to any parent who is blind to what is going on – be careful in future.
Insurance investigators found a call made by Kirk to 999 where he admitted to kicking the box after a fight. Kirk’s personal injury lawyers in Leeds then refused to represent Kirk, but he pursued the claim himself.
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