Linda Metcalf has received an immediate 6-month custodial sentence for her deliberate attempt to defraud the NHS and deceive the Court. She has also been ordered to pay the Trust’s costs of the proceedings. Sentence was passed by Mr Justice Griffiths in the Leeds District Registry on 11.02.21. 

The decision comes after Hempsons, instructed by NHS Resolution on behalf of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, commenced committal proceedings in which Ms Metcalf accepted that she had interfered with the due administration of justice, misled the independent experts instructed in the claim and had made false statements in legal documents, verified by a statement of truth. She had attempted to claim compensation in excess of £5.7m but her reported ongoing symptoms were found to have been grossly exaggerated.

The Trust was represented by Hempsons Associate Laura Scott and Claire Toogood of Crown Office Chambers. Further analysis of the decision will follow shortly.