A MAN has been cleared of taking part in an insurance fraud which was responsible for dozens of car crashes across the North West.

Rashid Shaikh was found not guilty of conspiring to defraud insurance companies at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester.

The charge related to a gang of conspirators who conned motorists by causing accidents and claiming for damage repairs, injury compensation, storage costs and hire cars that were not needed.

Mohammed Patel, aged 23, of Nottingham Drive, Bolton, was the driver in more than 90 crashes which took place across the North West.

In one such crash, Patel gave Mr Shaikh’s details to his victim, before using the smash, along with his co-conspirators, to make a claim worth up to £21,000 from Norwich Union.

Mr Shaikh, from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, said his name was used to claim for a whiplash injury without his knowledge, however.

Iqbal Khan, aged 49, of Argo Street, Daubhill, claimed for damage as the owner of the car, and his son, Ershad Khan, aged 22, also of Argo Street, said he was a passenger in the car and made a claim for whiplash injury.

Iqbal Khan, Ershad Khan and Patel have all admitted their part in the conspiracy.

They will be sentenced, along with 14 other members of the gang, on October 21.