A man who made a claim for compensation against Peterborough City Council after alleging he had tripped and broken his ankle on an uneven pavement, has been jailed for nine months.
Jonathan Lewis, 49, of Godsey Lane, Market Deeping, claimed he had broken his ankle in Dogsthorpe Road, Peterborough, after tripping on an uneven pavement in the early hours of August 9 2007.
He subsequently made a claim against Peterborough City Council on August 17 2007.
The case was investigated by Peterborough City Council's investigation team who found that Lewis' allegations were untrue.
Peterborough City Council immediately referred the matter to the police and Lewis was later arrested and charged with fraud by false representation.
Lewis denied the charge but was found guilty by a jury at Peterborough Crown Court last month.
He appeared at Peterborough Crown Court yesterday for sentencing. The court heard he had actually broken his ankle after falling over on private property while under the influence of alcohol.
Peterborough City Council's fraud and investigation manager Diane Baker, said: "We welcome today's sentence which should serve as a stark warning to anyone who is considering committing any kind of
fraud against Peterborough City Council.
"We will take action against anyone who feels it is appropriate to deprive the residents of Peterborough in this way."
Anyone wishing to report suspicions of fraud can call the city council's hotline in confidence on 01733 452250 or e-mail fraud@peterborough.gov.uk
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