Skipper jailed for insurance scam

Francis Wiseman decided to confess to his crime after turning to religion

A skipper who defrauded an insurance company out of nearly £600,000 by deliberately sinking his fishing boat has been sent to prison.

Francis Wiseman of Peterhead sabotaged the Seaward Quest near Shetland 12 years ago.

He was only found out when he turned to religion and decided to confess to a church member, who was also a director of the insurance firm involved.

The 53-year-old was sentenced to 32 months in jail.

At Peterhead Sheriff Court on Thursday, Sheriff Malcolm Garden told him he had pleaded guilty to an "extremely substantial fraud" from which he had personally gained.

Insurance firm Sunderland Marine said it was pleased the case had been prosecuted and the true circumstances had come to light.