A fraudster who was involved in a minor motor accident eight years ago and claimed damages of more than £350,000, has received a two-month custodial sentence following a long-running investigation by Hastings Direct, acting on behalf of Advantage Insurance Company Ltd and supported by law firm HF.

Surveillance evidence debunked claimant Jody Poole’s insistence that she was left ‘pretty much house bound’ following the accident in May 2017. Video footage showed her running a busy café.

In June 2022, Poole admitted to the deception and agreed to repay an interim payment of £5,000 plus interest and to pay Advantage’s costs of almost £75,000.

Subsequently, HF and Hastings Direct pursued an application for contempt of court. Following a four-day hearing at the High Court, HHJ Tindal found Poole in contempt of court and she received a two-month custodial sentence.

Alex Wilkinson, partner at HF, said: “This outcome is a salutary reminder for claimants who may be tempted to dishonestly exaggerate their claims. Not only could they lose any genuine damages they would be entitled to but, if their dishonesty is as egregious as Miss Poole’s, their liberty is at stake.”