Almost 80 far-Right extremists are trying to claim for whiplash injuries after a coach crash – when there were only 25 people on board the vehicle and just 57 seats.
Supporters of the English Defence League have been accused of attempted insurance fraud after dozens sought compensation for neck injuries.
The claims were lodged after the coach carrying members to a rally was in a collision in which it sustained minor damage. Driver Christopher Cartwright said he would be amazed if any of those on board were hurt, adding: “There was not much more than a scratch on the back corner.” But days after the accident during a journey from Gateshead to Preston last month, the claims for injuries allegedly caused by the crash began to flood in from EDL supporters.
Coach firm bosses said only 25 people were on the vehicle, but more than three times that many claims had been made. Maria Caris, of Caris Coaches in Gateshead, said she is considering legal action amid fears that EDL members are trying to cheat her company. She said: “They must think we’re idiots. There are 78 claims in so far and the phone is still going with people asking for our insurance details. They are all saying they were on the coach.”
The rally in Preston ended in violent clashes with the police, who arrested 14 people for public order offences and drunk or disorderly behaviour. Mrs Caris said: “These ‘whiplash injuries’ could have been caused when they were fighting with the police in Preston.”
But what else can you expect from the EDL? After all, their leader Stephen Lennon told an EDL protest in Peterborough earlier this month that Muslims make up 10% of the population, when the real figure is around 3%. Maths clearly isn’t the EDL’s strong point.
As for Caris Coaches, some of us might think they brought this on themselves. The moral of the story is – don’t hire out transport to ignorant racist hooligans with criminal records.