A Wirral couple have been jailed after lodging a false claim for compensation after the claimed to have fallen ill whilst on holiday.
Deborah Briton and Paul Roberts, both from Wallasey, were jailed at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting to fraud. The couple had attempted to claim almost £20,000 after saying their two children had become ill whilst on holiday to Majorca in 2015 and 2016.
The couple, who have been branded greedy by the judge, had boasted on social media that the holidays were full of “sun, laughter and fun”.
Judge David Aubrey QC said there had been an “explosion” in gastric illness claims made by UK holidaymakers.
The pair, from Wallasey, Wirral, both admitted four counts of fraud in the private prosecution, brought by holiday company Thomas Cook.
Family members, including Briton’s daughter Charlene, who had initially been charged with two counts of fraud that were later dropped, shouted out in court as the couple were jailed.
Had the claim have been successful, the couple would have cost Thomas Cook a further £28,000 in legal expenses.
Judge Aubrey said their claims had been a “complete and utter sham”. “They were bogus from start to finish, you were both asserting on your behalfs and on behalf of your two children that on two separate holidays you had suffered illness. They were totally and utterly fake.”
Judge David Aubrey said the claims, made in August last year, must have required planning and premeditation. Commenting whilst sentencing he said : “Why? Pure greed. Seeking to get something for nothing.”
The judge said those tempted to make a dishonest claim must “expect to receive an immediate custodial sentence” if convicted.
A Thomas Cook spokesman added “We had to take a stand to protect our holidays and our customers from the minority who cheat the system.”