Jail warning after injury claim man seen at rugby training

A man who said wrist injuries stopped him driving was filmed by insurance investigators at rugby training after claiming £923,000 compensation.

David Ribchester also claimed he could no longer pick up his daughter, after a work accident in County Durham in 2006.

The 31-year-old, of the John F Kennedy Estate in Washington, Tyne and Wear, admitted fraud by false representation.

A judge at the Old Bailey in London warned he was considering imposing a jail term.

Ribchester was bailed until 22 June for sentencing.

The court heard he hurt both wrists when a ladder came away from a refrigerated lorry.

Despite his claims about his injuries, the investigators also filmed him driving.

If he had not exaggerated he would have been entitled to between £50,000 and £250,000 compensation, the court heard.

Judge Nicholas Cooke said: "Unfortunately, offending of this type is a big problem. It means I have to deal with it severely."