Two men who took part in an elaborate insurance fraud scam involving high-value classic cars have been jailed.
The couple were part of a gang who obtained more than £225,000 in insurance payouts over eight years by claiming they had stolen 21 vehicles.
However, in reality all classic Ford Escort Turbos from the 1980s and similar had been sold or scrapped, Warwick Crown Court was told.
Jason Sallis, 52, was sentenced to three years in prison and Amandeep Gill to 32 months.
They were part of a gang of 19 people who would be convicted of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud.
The defendants used doctored photographs and fake number plates on high-value genuine vehicles, to give the impression they were in good condition, Warwickshire Police said.
Fake sales invoices and fraudulent MOT certificates were used to arrange a high-value insurance policy, before the fraudsters lodged false theft reports, police said.
Among those given «significant» prison sentences was Sallis, of Bondvil Street, Coventry, who was convicted on October 27 of eight counts of fraud.
Gill, of Corison Close, Warwick, was sentenced the previous day for conspiracy to commit fraud.
Claims worth between £10,000 and £25,000 were lodged between 2009 and 2017.
Detective Con Alison Roberts said: “This was an elaborate plan and over those eight years those involved enjoyed payouts courtesy of everyone who pays for car insurance.
«It’s a shame that law-abiding citizens have to pay more for their insurance premiums because people like Sallis, Gill and their associates were willing to work together to create fictitious claims.»
