Golfer who carried on playing after claim for injury admits fraud

A professional golfer conned his insurer out of £8,000 by falsely claiming that a knee injury left him unable to work before later being caught on camera playing in tournaments.

Laurie Turner hurt his knee in November 2009 and told Unum Insurance that the injury meant he was unable to earn a living.

The 52-year-old, of Greenacre Park Mews in Rawdon, Leeds, was caught out when the insurer caught him on camera giving lessons on the driving range and working at American Golf in Ilkley, as well as playing in tournaments.

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Unum Insurance sent the film to the City of London Police Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) last June.

Detectives arrested Turner at American Golf in July, and later charged him with fraud by false representation. Turner was yesterday ordered to carry out 140 hours unpaid work and repay £8,396 to Unum Insurance after admitting the fraud at Leeds Magistrates’ Court.

Detective Constable Tom Hill, who led the police investigation, said: “Turner thought that no one would bother to find out if he was really telling the truth.

“This was a serious mistake that turned him into a criminal and his actions have cost him. There is still a public perception that making false claims to insurance companies is somehow acceptable.

“IFED securing convictions is evidence of our continued commitment to working with the industry to change this culture in England and Wales.”