Shamed company director banned from running his business after fraud

A disgraced businessman has been banned from running any company until 2031 as a result of submitting false insurance claims.

According to Lincolnshire Live, Christopher Dawson told insurers that agricultural equipment, belonging to two companies of which he was a director, was stolen in May 2016.

Both companies, CJ & KE Dawson Agric Services Limited and CJ Dawson & Sons Limited, submitted a claim each, with the total claim totalling around £35,000.

The insurance company paid the first of the claims but held off on a second payment while investigations were underway.

During this investigation, Dawson was interviewed by a private investigator, who was working on behalf of the insurer, and he admitted the claims were fake.

In reality, the equipment had been seized by creditors that Dawson’s companies were unable to pay.

Failure to pay again

After being found out, Dawson offered to pay the insurer the money back, but only gave back £1,100 because he had apparently spent the rest of the money running the company.

The insurer then took out legal proceedings in November 2017, winning a favourable judgement three months later, with Dawson being ordered to pay the insurer’s legal fees.

However, yet again, Dawson was unable to pay up and was subsequently declared bankrupt in August.

Bankruptcy

Usually, restrictions of bankruptcy are lifted after one year, but the Official Receiver extended Dawson’s punishment based on his conduct.

“This kind of behaviour from a company director is unacceptable, and it is only fitting that Christopher Dawson has received such severe bankruptcy restrictions in recognition of this.

“This result will protect the business community and act as a warning to other directors if the penalties for fraud.”

Dawson is not allowed to run any business without the court’s permission until 16 May 2031.