FAKEBOOK
Holiday illness scam couple caught out by social media photos
SCAMMERS who claimed dodgy food ruined a holiday in Turkey were rumbled by social media snaps of themselves enjoying the break.
Leon Roberts, 37, and Jade Muzoka, 27, could have cost TUI £50,000 in compensation with false illness claims.
The pair halted their bids but the travel firm prosecuted.
They admitted fraud and have been warned they face jail.
District Judge Jonathan Taaffe said: “It is a real problem and has a real impact on [people] who make genuine claims. All options are open and it may be a custodial sentence will follow to show the importance of your wrongdoing.” Southern Derbyshire magistrates court heard Roberts, of Alvaston, Derbys, and Muzoka, of Sinfin, Derby, went to Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort and Spa in July 2015 and filed their claims the next April. But investigators found photos of the couple – no longer together – lounging by the pool, drinking and eating lavish meals. Tim Hunter, prosecuting, said: “They claimed they suffered illness because of the food. Their social media entries made it plain they had a good time.” The case was adjourned for presentence reports.