A dentist, described as a modern-day Robin Hood, was yesterday fined a total of $6,000 for attempting to defraud an insurance company.

But after the hearing at the Magistrates' Court, Dr. Clark Godwin said he would appeal against the sentence.

Godwin, 40, of Jubilee Road, Devonshire, was found guilty yesterday of four charges of intent to defraud Somers Isles Insurance in an attempt to gain $3,175. He had denied all four charges.

At an earlier hearing the court was told the charges had arisen because of the practice of "cross-charging'', when work not covered by a patient's insurance would be done with the insurance company billed for something else.

Godwin claimed it was normal practice amongst dentists although the court heard no evidence to support his claim. He also said he was helping patients to get the right treatment.

In summing up, prosecuting lawyer Mr. Peter DeJulio, said Godwin had been co-operative with the Police, had not been evasive and had admitted his actions.

"However, the aggravating factor is that this is a system based on trust.

Insurance companies process thousands of claims a year and they should be entitled to trust trained professionals to submit accurate and honest claims.'' Mr. DeJulio added: "The sentence should be a message that the courts and society will not turn a blind eye to what is going on, however much or little.

I have no doubt that members of the dental community will be watching this judgement.

"A sentence too low will send the wrong message to dentists that they can carry on as they are, if it is happening.'' In sentencing Godwin, the Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis, said he was taking into account the doctor's frankness and honesty.

He added: "You might have been mislead by some things you thought you saw going on, but you are a professional and you should have realised some things about insurance.

"I think I have to do as Mr. DeJulio said and try to be fair with you and not make you a scapegoat for anything that may be going on, but at the same time try and send a message.'' In finding him guilty, Mr. Francis fined Godwin $1,500 for each of the four offences.

After the case, Godwin said he would be seeing a lawyer to appeal against the sentence.

"You cannot have it both ways,'' he said. "They say they have to send out a message but then say I am the only one cross-charging.''