A fraudster who falsely sold holidays to customers in County Durham has been jailed.
Durham Constabulary launched an investigation into the dealings of Kirsty Sheldon, of Newton Aycliffe who spent months across 2017 and 2018 selling holidays to customers. Officers found that she took double bookings from members of the public as well as taking out loans.
While some were able to enjoy their break at a North East caravan site without any problems, ten families turned up to find other people already occupying the mobile home they were due to stay in, their booking did not exist or that there were no caravans available.
Read more: 'Drugged-up' Durham lorry driver crashed with unmarked police car
During the same period, she persuaded a businessman to hand over cash to allow her to buy goods to sell but no items were ever purchased. The loans amounted to more than £98,000 and double bookings for the holidays came to about £4,200.
The 45-year-old admitted fraud and possession of criminal property at a previous hearing at Durham Crown Court. On Thursday she was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.
Detective Constable Ali Blackett, of Durham Constabulary’s Economic Fraud Unit, said: “Sheldon has brought misery to a number of families by tricking them out of their money. This is a heartless crime and Sheldon took advantage of hardworking people, some of them will be affected by this for the rest of their lives.
“Hopefully this sends out a message that this kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable.”
For fraud advice or to report a suspected fraud, visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
