Fraud charges added to fatal hit-and-run accused

A former Nationals WA candidate already facing charges over an alleged fatal hit-and-run is now facing additional fraud charges.

Benjamin Thomas Simpkins, 26, was arrested in May after the death of a 49-year-old man in Katanning. 

He is facing three serious driving charges in relation to that incident and the matters are proceeding through court.

Today police have charged Mr Simpkins with attempting to pervert the course of justice, gaining benefit by fraud and using a forged record with intent to defraud.

In a statement, WA Police said further inquiries as a result of the driving charges allegedly identified he had falsely claimed to hold a university degree.

Police will allege he used falsified academic records to obtain employment in June 2023 as a cardiac scientific officer at a Western Australian hospital.

It will also be alleged he provided false information regarding his volunteer work within the local community and that this information was supplied to the Supreme Court.

Police also allege that in October 2023, he used falsified documentation in an attempt to gain admission to other universities for further education purposes.

He is also facing two further counts of driving with a suspended licence in May of this year.