Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HOLS SICKNESS FAKERS SENT TO JAIL
Couple lied about Majorca hotel in attempt to get £20k compensation
A COUPLE who faked holiday illness in a bid to get £20,000 compensation have been jailed.
Paul Roberts and Deborah Briton said they and their kids were hit by stomach bugs at a hotel in Majorca.
A judge told the pair the fake claims were “pure greed”.
PAUL Roberts and Deborah Briton boasted to pals about their fun-filled holidays – while telling tour firm bosses they had fallen ill in a cynical bid to claim compensation.
The scheming couple tried to con £20,000 out of Thomas Cook by lying that they and their two teenage children suffered food poisoning at a hotel which “ruined” their breaks two years in a row.
But the scam was exposed and a judge yesterday branded the pair greedy as he sent them both to jail in a case he hoped would be a warning to others.
David Aubrey QC told Roberts, 43, and 53-year-old Briton their claims were a “complete and utter sham”.
He added: “They were bogus from start to finish, you were asserting on your behalfs and on behalf of your children that on two separate holidays you suffered illness. They were totally and utterly fake. Why? Pure greed. Seeking to get something for nothing.
“Those who may be tempted in the future to make a dishonest claim in relation to fake holiday sickness, if they are brought to justice, he or she must expect to receive an immediate custodial sentence.”
Judge Aubrey jailed Roberts for 15 months and Briton for nine.
The pair, from Wallasey, Wirral, had admitted fraud in the private prosecution brought by Thomas Cook. They both wept as they were sentenced at Liverpool crown court.
The couple had pretended they and their kids, aged 13 and 14, suffered diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, lethargy and nausea on all-inclusive holidays to Majorca in 2015 and 2016. But on social media they said the “fantastic” breaks had been full of “sun, laughter and fun”. There were no hygiene problems reported at the Globales America hotel they stayed at and staff there received no complaints. Had the claims succeeded, they would have cost Thomas Cook a further £28,000 in legal expenses.
The firm said after the hearing: “The sentences demonstrate how serious the issue of fraudulent illness claims has become. We had to take a stand to protect our customers from the minority who cheat the system.”
Judge Aubrey said there had been an “explosion” in gastric illness claims made by UK tourists – encouraged by greedy law firms who take a cut of any payout.
Most involve all-inclusive resorts as claimants say they only ate at their hotel in a bid to pinpoint blame. Such scams are estimated to cost the Spanish hotel industry alone £50million.
British visitors face bans from allinclusive breaks, tour operators have warned.
Personal injury lawyer Nigel Cragg of Setfords Solicitors warned tourists to be wary of firms offering to sue travel companies over illness.
He said: “Do not be pressured or persuaded that a false claim is an easy way to a quick buck.”
Justice Minister Dominic Raab said the Government is looking at the problem. He added: “We’re taking action to deter these claims, and protect holidaymakers from being ripped off.”