Court issues stark warning by jailing lying claimant

In a recently decided clinical negligence claim, the claimant, in order to try an inflate his claim for damages, lied to the Court. As a consequence, he was jailed for 3 months and ordered to pay costs of £80,000.

The claimant had brought a claim for damages totalling £870,000 in respect of pain, suffering and loss of amenity and also in respect of future loss of earnings. The claimant said that his injuries meant that he could not continue to work as a courier driver or as a DJ.

However, surveillance evidence showed that the claimant continued to drive, and to work as both a courier driver and as a DJ, despite the evidence he had presented to the court. The claimant appears to have tried to conceal what he was doing, by working as a DJ under a different name.

In imposing an immediate sentence of 3 months imprisonment, the Judge said that this should be seen as a warning to others and that the public ought to be aware of the seriousness of the consequences for those who indulge in such conduct.

This is clearly an extreme case, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of complete honesty in evidence presented to the court. Any attempt to mislead the court, could mean you end up at Her Majesty's Service. 

At Samuels Solicitors LLP, with offices in Barnstaple and Kingsbridge, we can assist you with personal injury claims, as well as many other type of dispute. 

Contact us today to find out how we can assist you.