Policewoman's Old Bailey Date For Alleged £491K Insurance Fiddle

A policewman, who is accused of a £491,000 insurance swindle after being involved in a car crash, appeared for the first time at City of London Magistrates Court yesterday.

Laura Simmons, 30, of Lambourne, Canvey Island, a police constable with Essex Constabulary is a neighbourhood specialist, who at one time patrolled Purfleet, Aveley and South Ockendon.

She is charged with one count of fraud by false representation between September 13, 2010 and January 3, last year, namely dishonestly making a false representation that she had sustained a higher level of injuries and ongoing symptoms following a road traffic accident, intending to gain a larger financial payment in a personal injury claim.

The court declined jurisdiction due to the large sum involved and Simmons was bailed unconditionally to appear for a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey on September 24.