False earthquake claims admitted
A 35-year-old woman has admitted making dishonest earthquake damage claims totalling $48,620.
Poulomi Chaterjee, of Mairehau, admitted four charges of dishonestly using documents when she appeared before Judge Jane Farish in the Christchurch District Court today.
Police prosecutor Chris Hunt said Chaterjee had put in the series of claims from December 2010 to March 2012. The claims covered household items such as a keyboard, broken china, and damaged musical instruments.
When EQC asked for photographs of the items, it found that photographs were sent which had been obtained from the internet. Police analysis of the computers, receipts, and photographs indicated there was no proof that the majority of the listed items existed.
The claims were paid and EQC is now seeking reparations totalling $37,587.
Defence counsel Craig Ruane said the claims were made on behalf of a relative of Chaterjee and three of the payment cheques were paid into the relative’s account. The fourth cheque went into Chaterjee’s account.
A report on the reparations required and her ability to pay it would be “valuable”, he told the judge.
Judge Farish remanded Chaterjee at large without the need for bail, for sentencing on March 11. She ordered the reparation report and an assessment of Chaterjee’s suitability for home or community detention.
Category: Focus
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