Kentish Express Ashford & District
Mum jailed for insurance fraud
A mother has been jailed after making a fraudulent insurance claim involving almost £19,000.
Chantelle Page was not able to claim for water damage at her home because her insurance had lapsed through non-payment of premiums.
She then took out a new policy with Tesco Insurance and put in a claim for the damage caused by a leak under the bath in May 2014. The company paid out £10,433 for building work and £6,517, as well as other amounts, for the family to stay in hotels.
Jailing Page, of Brentwood, Ashford, for 40 weeks, a judge at Maidstone Crown Court said such frauds were a “scourge” because they drove up the cost of insurance.
She admitted fraud 11 days before she was due to stand trial having previously denied the offence.
David Howell, defending, had submitted a suspended sentence with unpaid work could be imposed. If sent to prison, he said the 39-year-old’s son, 13, would be “farmed out” to relatives.
“There are fairly major consequences to her family which she deeply regrets,” said Mr Howell.
She had a partner who did not live with her and was not the father of the child.
Judge Charles Macdonald QC told Page: “The disturbing thing about this case is the persistence with which the matter was pursued.
“It is deliberate and sustained insurance fraud. Such frauds are common and the scourge of the law-abiding because they drive up premiums.
“Good character and remorse are found in mitigation. I am satisfied there will be no harmful impact on your son.”
The judge added: “This is a case for custody. As for suspension, I appreciate you are not likely to offend again but appropriate punishment can only be achieved by imprisonment.”
Page wept as she was led to the cells.