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WARNING: Video contains graphic content

Leaping into what looks like a deep pond, Stephen Robinson is exposed as a would-be fraudster.

The father-of-three is seen launching himself into a pool of floodwater as he messes around with pals.

But the laughs don’t last long as the 30-year-old drags himself out of the water with a broken ankle and ruptured tendons.

The injuries forced the self-employed contractor out of work.

And he tried to file an insurance claim against Newcastle City Council - claiming a broken drain caused his injuries as he walked down the street near his Tyneside home.

But when footage of the incident emerged online, he was snared by investigators.

And as he was about to stand trial at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court Robinson, of Caroline Cottages in Slatyford, Newcastle, admitted making a false claim and pleaded guilty to fraud.

Prosecuting, Stephen Davies said: “On July 23 last year Newcastle City Council received a letter from Zurich saying there were taking up Stephen Robinson’s claim for personal injury.

“The incident happened in Pooley Road in Slatyford. The road was flooded and Robinson said he got stuck in a metal drain which caused a fractured tibia and ruptured tendons.”

Mr Davies said Zurich was chasing as £17,115 pay-out for Robinson, until investigators were tipped off as to what actually happened.

“As the council was negotiating his figure, information was received as to how Robinson in fact came about his injuries. A video was seen on YouTube and inquiries were undertaken.

“Further questions were put to him and he continued to blame the council. He refused to watch the video as he said it makes him feel sick.”

Robinson dropped his head as the video - filmed by a bystander - was played in court.

The incident happened during the heavy flooding which hit Newcastle in the summer of 2012.

Defending, John Wesencraft said that Robinson had made no financial gain from the claim as it was stopped before any pay-out.

He also stated that any actual cash his client would have received was nearer the £10,000 mark.

“What he has always believed is that he had landed unharmed and as he came back toward the pavement he trapped his foot in the drain,” added Mr Wesencraft.

“There was no offer. There was no settled amount. We don’t know how this figure would have settled.

“He himself never thought of making a claim. It was somebody else who suggested it to him.”

District judge Stephen Earl said: “I have seen people do some stupid things but putting the evidence out there is just the most stupid thing I have seen in a while.

“Websites such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter are becoming great tools for prosecutors as people just cant resist sharing.”

Robinson was given an 18-month community order and must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £600 costs and a £60 surcharge.

After the hearing Detective Constable Kate Sibley of City of London Police, who investigated the case, said: “Stephen Robinson deliberately tried to defraud Newcastle Council and their insurers to financially benefit from his broken ankle.

“He broke his ankle because he was showing off in front of a crowd of onlookers.

“This posing caused his downfall as the incident was uploaded to the internet and viewed by thousands of people.

“Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime, it is those who pay their council tax in Newcastle who would have lost out if they had paid compensation to Stephen Robinson.”

And Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for resources, Coun Veronica Dunn, said: “I am delighted with the outcome of this case. Stephen Robinson attempted to defraud the city council and the council taxpayers in the most despicable way.

“We investigate all suspected fraudulent claims, and on this occasion received an invaluable tip-off from a member of the public who viewed the footage on Youtube.

“This has cost him dearly, and I hope it sends out a clear message that Newcastle City Council will not hesitate to call in the police and prosecute anyone who attempts to defraud the public purse by submitting fraudulent insurance claims.”

Mr Robinson told the Chronicle after the case that he “realised he had done something very stupid” and he had wanted to support his family with the claim.“I am self employed and I wasn’t going to make any money for my kids,” he said.