Fake holiday sickness couple from Wallasey jailed

The couple boasted about their holiday on social media

A "greedy" couple made "fake" holiday sickness compensation claims while boasting about holidays full of "sun, laughter and fun", a court heard.

Deborah Briton, 53, and partner Paul Roberts, 43, were jailed at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting fraud.

They tried to claim nearly £20,000 saying their two children fell ill on holidays to Majorca in 2015 and 2016.

Judge David Aubrey QC said there had been an "explosion" in gastric illness claims made by UK holidaymakers.

Briton, who was jailed for nine months, and Roberts, who received a 15-month term, bragged about their holidays on social media, the court heard.

'Utter sham'

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

Paul Roberts and Deborah Briton admitted fraud

The court heard that had they succeeded, the couple would have also cost the holiday firm 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."

'Pure greed'

He said the claims, made in August last year, must have required planning and premeditation.

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."