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Liverpool couple jailed for fake holiday sickness claim

A couple have been jailed for making holiday sickness claims on holidays to Majorca in 2015 and 2016.

Deborah Briton, 53, and partner Paul Roberts, 43, from Wallasey, Wirral, both visibly shook and cried at Liverpool Crown Court as their verdicts were read out.

It comes on the same day the government launched a call for evidence on the issue, as it asks industry experts to help it tackle the issue.

Briton was sentenced to nine months in prison after admitting four counts of fraud in the private prosecution brought by operator Thomas Cook.

Roberts was sentenced to 15 months after admitting the same offences.

The court heard how they tried to claim thousands for gastric illnesses, which they claimed they had picked up at the Globales America hotel in Majorca.

According to the BBC, Briton and Roberts had holidayed there for two years in row with their two children.

Judge David Aubrey QC said there had been “explosion” in gastric illness claims made by holidaymakers from the UK.

A Thomas Cook spokesman added “The sentences handed down today demonstrates how serious the issue of fraudulent illness claims has become.

“This is a particularly sobering case but reflects what is going on across the UK travel industry, so we had to take a stand to protect our holidays and our customers from the minority who cheat the system.

“We hope it sends a clear message to holidaymakers across the UK that the consequences for lying about their experience abroad could be very serious.”

Travel Weekly has been campaigning on the issue since June. Abta has recorded a 500% rise in holiday sickness claims.

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