Pothole: Solicitor made two false claims
A solicitor has been handed a suspended prison sentence for making false claims of damage to his car from potholes.
Alykhaan Nourani has also been referred to the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
He was found guilty by unanimous verdict of four counts of fraud relating to false vehicle damage claims at Hanley Crown Court in February and sentenced last week eight months, suspended for two years, 300 hours of unpaid work, a six-month curfew between 7pm and 7am, £30,000 in costs as well as the original £874 for the fraudulent invoice.
According to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Mr Nourani’s submitted pothole damage claims in November 2019 and April 2021 but were found to be false following an investigation by the council’s corporate fraud team.
An internal insurance officer noticed anomalies with an invoice Mr Nourani provided in April 2021 from a local main dealership. A similar pattern was found with an earlier invoice from November 2019.
The council said the judge highlighted Mr Nourani’s high level of culpability, stating that his role as a solicitor – regularly dealing with personal injury claims – was an aggravating factor. The probation officer also confirmed that Mr Nourani showed no remorse for his actions.
Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability at the council, said: “I’d like to thank the individuals and businesses who have assisted this investigation and provided vital evidence in court.
“Fraud will not be ignored in Stoke-on-Trent – we will always take strong action to protect the public purse.”
