'Judge Rinder' Conned By Friends Who Faked Legal Row

Two friends managed to construct a plan, and see it through, to con ITV's Judge Rinder show out of £5,000 ($6,742).

The pair created a fake legal row in order to gain the maximum damage award paid out by the programme, after finding out that ITV stumps up the costs.

Thousands of people witnessed Sam Horner, 35, claim against his drinking pal, Paul Brewster (34), for the maximum amount.

Credit: ITV

However, Horner admitted inventing the dispute after discovering that the producers of ITV are the ones who pay out the settlement - not the defendants.

ITV have now threatened to involve the police over the suspected fraud.

A spokeswoman for the television network said: "If they have defrauded us we will take this up with the police."

Last night, according to the Sun, a show insider said: "The full weight of the law will come down on their shoulders. ITV won't put up with anyone trying to undermine this show."

The invented charge saw Horner tell Judge Rinder that he was chasing Brewster over a £6,100 ($8,225) office refit bill.

The Leeds plasterer created a fake paper trail of invoices and final demands.

Horner got Brewster to 'confess' to a gambling problem which saw him blow the cash, with SMS messages revealing how the pair agreed on their story. They were also seen having a pint together hours before filming in March.

Credit: ITV

After being awarded the money, Horner bragged about his victory.

"It was an Oscar-winning performance from start to finish. By the end Judge Rinder was utterly convinced.

"Me and Paul went on the piss to celebrate afterwards and have split the £5,000.

"I told Paul exactly what to say. He rang the producers and told them he'd been paid the money but lost it all betting. They loved it."

It comes after Robert Rinder himself, who lends his name to the show, appeared on This Morning to discuss the authenticity of the show.

Credit: ITV

As Rinder is a criminal barrister, not a civil law judge, any damages awarded are given as a 'game prize'.

For this case, the judge said: "It's difficult to find a case where the applicant was more entitled to the full sum."

When talking about being caught out, Horner said: "I haven't done anything wrong. I was paid for entertainment and that's exactly what I gave them. I was paid to act."

Brewster added: "It's only a TV show. They aren't bothered as long as they are getting good ratings."

Topics: Fraud

Michael Minay

Mike Minay is a trending journalist at LADbible. He’s co-ordinated interviews with some of the big names from the world of news and sport including ITV’s Robert Peston, Sky Sports’ Jeff Stelling and darts champion Michael van Gerwen. His reporting days began on University radio in Birmingham, before moving to BBC Sport Online – creating content for large events such as Wimbledon and the FA Cup final. Mike still commentates on Football League matches at the weekend. A Manchester LAD at heart.

@MikeMinay