Fraud charges added to fatal hit-and-run accused

Benjamin Thomas Simpkins, a 26-year-old former Nationals WA candidate, is set to stand trial in September for three additional fraud charges related to a fatal hit-and-run incident that took place in May. The deceased in the incident was a 49-year-old man from Katanning. Simpkins was initially arrested in May following the fatal road accident and had already been facing charges for an alleged hit-and-run.

The WA Police have now added three new fraud-related charges against Simpkins. These include attempting to pervert the course of justice, gaining benefit by fraud, and using a forged record with intent to defraud. According to the police, their investigations into the driving charges revealed that Simpkins had falsely claimed to possess a university degree. They allege that in June 2023, he used falsified academic records to secure employment as a cardiac scientific officer at a hospital in Western Australia.

Moreover, the police claim Simpkins provided false information about his volunteer work within the local community, which he submitted to the Supreme Court. Additionally, in October 2023, police allege that he used falsified documentation to gain admission to other universities for further education. Further complicating the situation, Simpkins is also facing two additional counts of driving with a suspended licence in May of the current year.