Thomas Cook agent spared jail after admitting fraud
A Thomas Cook agent created fake refunds to steal thousands of pounds and book herself a luxury holiday, say reports.
According to The Argus newspaper, Holly Cull “racked up huge debt problems” while living in Lewes, East Sussex, so she began creating false refunds at the branch where she worked in Worthing (pictured).
The 30-year-old then paid just £100 towards a £3,000 holiday, Hove Crown Court was told.
The Argus reported that Cull was given a three-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work in the community after she admitted fraud by false representation.
Pierce Power, prosecuting, said she took £3,885 from Thomas Cook, and also claimed a £3,323 holiday, for which she had only paid £100.
Sarah Thorne, defending, said Cull showed “genuine remorse’” and had been suffering from a low mood at the time of the offences.
The Argus reported that the judge told Cull: “Don’t be so stupid as to behave in this way again.”
Cull, from Portsmouth, Hampshire, must complete the unpaid work in the next 18 months, said the Argus report.
A spokesperson for Thomas Cook told Travel Weekly: “This was a significant breach of trust from one of our colleagues. We will not hesitate to bring charges against employees where there is evidence of dishonesty.”