A disgraced police CCTV camera operator who burnt his own car then claimed on his insurance has been jailed for 23 weeks.
Peter Collins, 46, of Bideford Way, Cottam, Preston, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and perverting the course of justice.
Judge Heather Lloyd, sitting at Preston Crown Court, said: “You were in a job where you would have been well aware of the consequences of your actions.”
The court heard Collins, who had been married with children, suffered marital problems after leaving his wife of 25 years and falling in love with another woman.
He torched his car then dumped it in an “extremely remote place”.
He said he had tried to dispose of the car as he thought it would cause relationship troubles.
Collins made a claim with RSA Insurance and then made a statement to police saying the car had been stolen.
He was charged after suspicious police launched an investigation when his car was found.
Collins, who originally denied the offences, changed his plea to guilty three days before his trial.
Judge Lloyd said: “You weren’t a police officer but you held a position of responsibility within the police force.
“I’m aware you had personal problems but it really does not begin to explain this plan of criminality.
“You didn’t cause anybody serious harm and you’re statement to the police was unlikely to implicate anybody.
“It was planned and dishonest over a period of time.
“Fraudulent claims do have an effect on everyone because they increase the insurance premiums.
“You buried your head in the sand.”
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