Woman found guilty of contempt of court over £750k compensation claim

A woman who brought a £750,000 compensation claim against Homes for Haringey has been found guilty this week of contempt of court.

Barbara Fari said her injuries following a fall in Lightfoot Road had left her needing intensive care and assistance from her husband.

However, Homes for Haringey and Haringey Council used CCTV surveillance to show that Fari had only suffered minor problems.

At a hearing in October 2012 His Honour Judge Mitchell found that Fari should only have received £1,500 in compensation for her injuries. The judge concluded that such was the deception, her entire claim should be thrown out.

The council and Homes for Haringey took the case to the High Court. A judge this week (31 October) found Fari and her husband – who said he was unable to work because of the need to care for his wife full time – in contempt of court.

Cllr Claire Kober, Haringey Council Leader, said: “We welcome the High Court ruling, which should serve as a stark warning that we will not stand back and allow people to pull the wool over our eyes. Where we suspect claims are fraudulent, we will investigate thoroughly.

“Through their lies and their greed, the Faris could have cost the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds, and they have wasted public money defending their overblown claims.”

Cllr Kober added: “Today’s verdict sends the strongest possible message to anyone tempted to exaggerate a personal injury claim. The council and the courts will not tolerate it and the claimant risks losing not just compensation but also their liberty.”

Fari is to be sentenced at a future date.