Man jailed over fake fall claim

A man who falsely claimed more than £9,000 in compensation for an accident that never happened has been jailed.

David Cairns, 44, of Stratton Drive, Platt Bridge, near Wigan, sued Wigan Council claiming he was injured when he fell over a hole in the road.

But he had actually sustained a broken ankle while playing indoor football, Liverpool Crown Court heard.

He was jailed for nine months after admitting obtaining money by deception and perjury.

Cairns' false story was supported by his nephew, Anthony Purves, 32, of Dawlish Way, Golborne, who lied under oath at the County Court.

Accident book

He admitted perjury and was jailed for six months.

The court heard that Cairns was awarded £9,250 in compensation and ordered costs against Wigan Council of £19,200.

Cairns then spent the cash on holidays and a car, but the council continued to investigate.

Henry Pepper, prosecuting, told the court that an accident book from the JJB Soccer Dome was found by fraud investigators.

It showed Cairns' injury was actually sustained during a football game.

He said Cairns was arrested and admitted he had lied.

This is so serious it is my intention not only to punish you but to act as a deterrent in other cases Judge Bryn Holloway Liverpool Crown Court

"He said he had pushed and bullied his nephew into giving evidence on his behalf and he stated that he would pay every penny back and take every punishment given," Mr Pepper said.

Cairns, who has previous convictions for making a false benefit claim and driving offences, is now a changed character, said Christopher Stables, mitigating.

"At the time he had a chaotic lifestyle marked by persistent substance and alcohol misuse and he had accrued substantial debts," he said.

Charlotte Kenny, for Purves, said he had made no financial gain from the scam.

Judge Bryn Holloway, said: "The punishment for perjury is severe because it has to be.

"Those who commit perjury seek to undermine the court system and, in this case, you were successful and the local authority was forced to pay substantial compensation and almost double that amount in costs.

"This is so serious it is my intention not only to punish you but to act as a deterrent in other cases."

A spokesman for Wigan Council said: "Anyone making exaggerated or fraudulent claims can expect a rough ride. We won't be a cash-cow for the conmen."

The council said it hoped to seize up to £30,000 in assets from Cairns.

A confiscation hearing will take place in July.

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