21 charged with fraud over allegation of ‘staged collision’ in Ferrybridge

It is alleged a collision was staged in Ferrybridge near Pontefract, with a view to bus passengers making false insurance claims.

One woman and 20 men have been charged with fraud by making false representations to Service Underwriting Management Ltd between January 1 2013 and August 1 2014.

Richard Harper, of Fryston Road, Castleford appeared, at Wakefield Magistrates’ Court via video link from HMP Leeds today.

Harper, 25, faces one charge of fraud and one charge of driving a Nissan Micra dangerously on Wordsworth Drive at Ferrybridge on March 26, 2013.

District Judge Adrian Lower told Harper: “The prosecution say these allegations are far too serious to be dealt with in this court, on the basis that this was an organised 21 defendant plan to stage a false road traffic collision with a view to false insurance claims being made.”

Judge Lower said the prosecution claim there was a potential loss of more than £100,000 to insurers.

Harper was told he will be produced to appear at Leeds Crown Court on May 1.

A further ten men and one woman appeared at Wakefield Magistrates’ Court today, each facing a single charge of fraud by false representation.

They are Jake Hall, 23, of Methley Road, Castleford; Josh Penny, 22, of Station Lane, Featherstone; Richard Lupton, 27, of Anfield Road, Liverpool; Chris Malkin, 29, of Austin Road, Airedale, Castleford; Richard William, 25, of Hillcrest Drive, Townville, Castleford; Stephen Sankey, 33, of St Andrews Road, Castleford; Jade Sissons, 24, of Hastings Crescent, Airedale, Castleford; Adam Smithson, 21, of Shelley Drive, Ferrybridge; Connor Thorp, 22, of Elizabeth Drive, Castleford; Scott Powell, 28, of Teal Close, Castleford; David Southern, 28, of Langdale Close, Castleford.

District Judge Lower granted the 11 defendants unconditional bail and told them to appear at Leeds Crown Court on May 1.

A further nine men are due to appear at Wakefield Magistrates’ Court next Friday in connection with the same case.

They each face a charge of fraud by making false representations to Service Underwriting Management Ltd between January 1 2013 and August 1 2014.