{
  "id": 951914,
  "title": "Fraud charges added to fatal hit-and-run accused",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/fraud-charges-added-to-fatal-hit-and-run-accused",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T04:24:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-15/benjamin-thomas-simpkins-fraud/107042058"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nMoreover, 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.",
  "summary": "A former Nationals WA candidate is now facing fraud charges with police alleging he falsified academic records to work at a WA hospital.",
  "key_points": [
    "Benjamin Thomas Simpkins faces three new fraud charges in WA.",
    "Simpkins falsely claimed university degree to get cardiac job.",
    "He used forged records to gain admission to other universities."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The expanded charges against Benjamin Thomas Simpkins imply a broader pattern of alleged dishonesty that could impact his credibility and defence in the fatal hit-and-run case.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}