Travel agent arrested over theft from veterans
A travel company has been accused of stealing thousands of pounds from a charity helping injured veterans.
Black Tip Travel Ltd, which has been seeking insolvency advice, is alleged to have taken money set aside for flights to New Zealand paid by the charity Pilgrim Bandits to stage a bike ride.
A group of 22 veterans included Britain’s most injured soldier, Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson, a double amputee still serving with the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery.
They were due to fly out in October, but were told two days before their departure date that the tickets had not been booked.
Kent Police said: “A 34-year-old man from Tonbridge was arrested on suspicion of theft and has been released pending further inquiries.”
The company, run by Dale Whitney, has denied any wrongdoing and blames the problems on a ‘simple error’ and ‘cash flow issues’.
In September Black Tip Travel lost its membership of Advantage Travel Partnership and ABTA [Association of British Travel Agents].