Fake holiday scam mother faces jail

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Julie Flood, 45, of Sussex Road, Maidstone, Kent, stole nearly £42,000 from would-be holidaymakers, Maidstone Crown Court heard. She pocketed more than £9,000 from one man in three separate transactions.

Flood ripped off a total of 19 holidaymakers between November 2004 and March 2005.

Prosecutor Philip St John-Stevens said: "She was running a site on eBay selling holidays ... these holidays were never to materialise."

Judge Philip Statman told her: "These offences are extremely serious in my judgment and clearly pass the threshold for imprisonment and you are facing a prison sentence.

"A substantial amount of money was taken."

He said once the prosecution had laid out its case, "no doubt you will learn of the disappointment of holidaymakers from your stealing their money".

He also warned Flood to make childcare arrangements for her 12-year-old daughter ahead of her next court appearance for sentencing.

Flood pleaded guilty to 27 counts of theft.

The trial was adjourned for pre-sentence reports. Flood will be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on August 1.