Couple jailed for fake sickness claims

A couple who made fake holiday sickness compensation claims have been jailed after admitting fraud. Deborah Briton and partner Paul Roberts tried to claim nearly £20,000 after falsely saying their two children fell ill on holidays to Majorca in 2015 and 2016. Ms Briton was jailed for nine months and Mr Roberts for 15 months following the private prosecution, brought by holiday company Thomas Cook.

Tourists are advised  not be pressured or persuaded that a false claim is an easy way to a quick buck. Meanwhile, the government is stepping up efforts to deter bogus sickness claims by proposing rules that would limit payouts by travel companies. At the moment, the law only specifies maximum amounts paid out for personal injuries sustained on UK soil. The Association of British T ravel Agents says there were about 35,000 claims over holiday sickness in 2016, a 500% rise since 2013.