Jet2holidays wins fraud case after ‘ill’ customers pictured using waterslides and drinking at the bar
Four holidaymakers who claimed they picked up a gastric illness while on a Jet2holidays package were identified as fraudsters after photos showed them using the waterslide, swimming in the pool and drinking in the bar – all while they claimed to be sick.
Christopher Byng, 38, Barbara Byng, 64, Linda Lane, 36 and Anthony Byng 66, all from Middlesbrough, were convicted of contempt of court at Teesside Combined Court today after admitting to submitting false gastric illness claims.
The Byng’s were jailed for four months while Lane received a suspended sentence.
The four claimed that they, and the two children they were travelling with, had all suffered with various symptoms, including stomach cramps, sickness, diarrhoea, headaches and hot and cold sweats, as a result of food poisoning on an all-inclusive holiday at the Paradise Lago Taurito & Waterpark, Gran Canaria in November 2016.
They then issued court proceedings, which were defended by Jet2holidays.
During investigations, Jet2holidays and law firm, Horwich Farrelly, discovered evidence which showed the claims were fabricated.
The evidence included a number of social media posts from the family, including images and video footage of them enjoying themselves on holiday despite claiming to be ill.
This included the family using the waterslide, swimming in the pool and drinking in the bar. No mention or sign of any illness was made, despite the severe symptoms they claimed to have been suffering.
Christopher Byng also made no mention of the illness in a post-holiday survey, saying he was ‘very satisfied’ with the choice, cleanliness and quality of meals at the hotel.
Asked in the survey whether he was likely to book with Jet2holidays again in the next 12 months?’ he responded ‘very likely’.
Jet2holidays Chief Executive Steve Heapy said: "We have led the way when it comes to tackling the issue of fake sickness claims, and we continue to do so.
"Issuing a false claim for compensation is fraud, plain and simple, and we have been at pains to warn people that there are serious consequences if they choose to do so.
"Today’s ruling is the latest illustration of that, and it sends out a very stark message. We will not hesitate to take action against fraudsters, and the courts will not hesitate to punish them."
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