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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Amy Walker

Woman rumbled after telling insurers that her Gucci bags, iPhones and TVs were lost or broken

A fraudster tried to claim up to £12,000 from various insurance companies by making false reports that her Gucci bags, iPhones and TVs had been stolen or lost. Rebecca Gallimore, 29, made a total of nine reports to the companies in a bid to get cash compensation.

But she was rumbled after her accounts and receipts were checked. In total, over £2,000 was paid out to Gallimore. She was arrested and after officers raided her home, they found a further £4,000 in cash.

Pleading guilty to nine counts of fraud by false representation and possession of criminal property, she was today (Wednesday) handed a suspended sentence at Minshull Street Crown Court.

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Prosecutor Mark Pritchard told the court of various claims Gallimore, of Hyde, made to the Royal Sun Alliance Insurance Group, starting in 2019. In the first claim, she falsely reported a lost iPhone X and iPhone XS intending to gain £1,676.

In another false report, she claimed there was damage to her Panasonic TV. Weeks later she claimed there was damage to the iPhone XS. In December 2019 she claimed the iPhone X had been stolen, intending to make a gain of £2,200.

“The fifth claim was to Covea Insurance Plc. In that report she claimed there was a loss of a Michael Kors bag which contained an iPhone 11, iPhone X and £100 in cash,” Mr Pritchard said.

In January 2020, Gallimore falsely reported to E-Sure Services Ltd of the theft of an iPad, mobile phone and two watches. The court heard of further claims to the Royal Sun Alliance Insurance company including for the theft of a Michael Kors bag, damage to a Panasonic TV and loss of a Gucci bag. The final claim was made in April 2021.

Investigations across each company were started, and the police were informed. The total amount she attempted to claim was £12,478, the court heard. Following a search of her home in Hyde, officers recovered £4,360 in cash.

Gallimore was said to have previous convictions for driving offences, theft and racially aggravated assault.

Mitigating, Emma Clarke said her client was in an abusive relationship at the time and was expected to provide money to her ex-partner.

“She was not in the right frame of mind,” Ms Clarke said. “She had previously called the police and tried to leave but was not strong enough.”

The barrister added that Gallimore had given birth to her son at 15, and left school at a young age. She added that she had suffered significant trauma and mental health difficulties.

Sentencing, Recorder Michael Blakey said: “You are remorseful and sorry for what you have done and you have indicated you wish to pay the money back.”

Gallimore, of King Edward Road, Hyde, was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment which was suspended for 18 months and 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirements.

A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing has been set for later this year.

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