'Crash for cash' - 17 charged in connection with alleged bus smashes

The Liverpool Echo has reported that Cheshire police have charged 17 people in connection with alleged 'crash for cash' bus smashes.

They report says that four Merseysiders were among those charged in connection with the conspiracy to commit fraud - this follows a 20-month investigation.

The charges all relate to alleged staged bus crashes in and around Chester between 2010 and 2012.

The force said the crashes involved 215 people claiming for whiplash on seven different bus collisions.

Among those charged in connection with the investigation were:

Mark Taylor, 47 of Vyner Park, Prenton
Christopher Bethell, 28, of Crosthwaite Avenue, Eastham
and Sean Kettyle, 42, of Westminster Road, Ellesmere Port.

All three were bailed to appear before Manchester Magistrates' Court on December 19.

Rachel Cooper, 31, of Oxton Green, Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port, was bailed to appear the following day, December 20.

http://www.motorworldarc.co.uk/news.asp