Bogus compo claims warning

PEOPLE caught making false compensation claims to Oldham Council could face prosecution.

The warning comes after two Oldham men were jailed for a total of 10 months at Manchester Crown Court after admitting perjury.

John Maybury (41) claimed he had fallen on what he alleged were defective steps in a passageway on Primrose Bank.

He persuaded a friend, Jason Costigan, to support his claim, but a police investigation discovered Costigan was not there when he fell.

Today, Councillor Mark Alcock, Oldham’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure said: “ I hope this case reaffirms the message that Oldham Council makes every effort to weed out bogus claims.

“Our officers make a serious evaluation of each and every case.

“We are, of course, prepared to compensate genuine claimants, and it is our duty to compensate individuals if an accident occurs and people suffer.

“However, we have worked very hard to successfully implement new fraud prevention systems and this case is just further evidence of that.

“Many claims are now dropped before they get to settlement stage and we will not hesitate to refer suspected fraudulent claims on the police for investigation.”

He said the public can help if they suspect someone of making a false claim by calling the council’s fraud hotline on 0161-770 4969 or email: investigations@oldham.gov.uk in confidence.