A JURY has heard that two men accused of being part of an audacious insurance scam denied any involvement when quizzed by police.
Kenny Loughran and David Dixon, both aged 46, are on trial at Carlisle Crown Court.
The pair each deny a charge alleging conspiracy to commit fraud which has been admitted by an Eden Valley husband and wife. That married couple accept being involved in criminal conduct after the theft of a BMW was “faked”, jurors have heard, and are due to be sentenced in due course.
The vehicle – later valued at £18,700 by insurers – was driven away from a Penrith pub car park, on June 10 in 2016, and found “burned to a crisp” in remote High Stand Plantation, between Armathwaite and Cotehill.
It is alleged Loughran, of Arnside Road, Carlisle, and Dixon, of Newbiggin, Stainton, near Penrith, were also involved.
But Dixon insisted in a police interview: “I can guarantee I had nothing to do with that car that was burned out.”
Loughran also denied being part of the scam when he was questioned. And, following his arrest on suspicion of involvement, he replied: “Fraud? What fraud?”
The trial continues.