Soccer player scores own goal with braggy tweets

A semi-pro soccer player in northwest England who exposed his own insurance scam via Twitter has been given a suspended jail sentence, according to media reports.

Gary Burnett, who played for Northwich Victoria Football Club, said he injured his neck and back in a car accident at a fast food restaurant in October 2013, reports state. Claiming he was unable to play football for four weeks as a result of the accident, he filed a claim for £2,000 ($2,840), according to reports.

But London-based insurer Aviva P.L.C.'s investigation found that, shortly after the accident, Mr. Burnett tweeted, “Nice little trek to Kendal later for footy #mission #goals #vics.” He also bragged about winning a match in a November 2013 tweet.

A Wigan County Court judge concluded last year that Mr. Burnett had made a dishonest personal injury claim and ordered him to pay Aviva's costs of more than £11,000 ($15,622), according to reports. Mr. Burnett apparently said he didn't stage his accident, but that he did exaggerate his injuries.

On Friday he was given a four-month jail sentence, suspended for one year, for contempt of court, according to reports.

The judge reportedly said the suspended jail sentence should serve as a warning for anyone considering a fraudulent claim.