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Watchdog host Julia Bradbury linked to £20,000 air mile scam
Rashid Razaq20 Feb 2009
WATCHDOG host Julia Bradbury is being investigated over a suspected £20,000 air miles racket.
The BBC presenter is alleged to have taken at least 10 free Virgin Atlantic flights by getting an insider to add unauthorised credits to her frequent flier account.
Sussex police are investigating claims that Bradbury, 36, and her sister Gina Fox enlisted a Virgin employee to award them unearned air miles in exchange for Marks & Spencer vouchers.
The airline worker has been sacked over the allegations and the sisters' flying club accounts were suspended last month after suspicions were raised. Senior managers contacted police after examining communications between Ms Fox, who is also her sister's agent, and the member of staff.
Bradbury, who exposes fraud and conmen on the consumer television programme, is alleged to have unlawfully taken free first class flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Miami.
A BBC spokeswoman said: "Julia has denied any wrongdoing and has not been contacted by the police about this matter."
A Sussex police spokesman said: "We have received a complaint from Virgin Atlantic. Detectives are investigating allegations relating to Flying Club accounts. It is likely inquiries will take a number of weeks."
Reader views (8)
Yes, Sid, I agree...! At the very least, a thorough investigation into these allegations should be carried out and the results televised for us all to see on Watchdog...!!!
People should not tolerate being taken for a ride by MPs, Ministers, Bankers or celebs of any kind...! The moment there's the slightest whiff of scandal about such people we should demand an independent inquiry and boot them out of the limelight and OFF the gravy-train if there's any truth whatsoever in the claims...!!! Only by showing them that painful punishment is a sure consequence will we stamp cheating out...!!!
- Joanna Jay, Walton on Thames, 15/04/2009 22:17
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Whatever happened to (Innocent until proven guilty) why should julia be suspended at all until the case has been resolved, she does a cracking job so leave her alone
- Bob Carter, west midlands, 13/04/2009 22:50
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there are always jelous people trying to knock the people doin well back in life julia rules her tv presenting is out standing she cares about the enviroment and people to,i think the press are tryin to knock julia out of popularity but it wont work as she is dedicated to her presentations and as amazing narating voice i think its about time julia investigated the press as they are the 1s that gain from stories of crap dont let the press grind u down julia u do more good than bad love xx julia rules dont victimise her over air miles wen our taxs are used to fund mps porn hiring best of luck julia i think u cool tis a sick world we live in dont let em grind you down you to good 4 that
- Mr P Johnson, cornwall, 30/03/2009 23:17
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Virgin Atlantic do not operate a First Class cabin/service. They operate a Premium Business Class service known as Upper Class. Julia will have taken Upper Class flights which require 100,000 Virgin Atlantic miles per return flight.
- Andrew Mcnaughton, Glasgow, United Kingdom, 21/02/2009 01:22
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Being 'accused' or 'suspected' of being involved in crime for totally innocent people can be very traumatic and ruin their lives, even after they have been completely exhonorated.
I have seen the effects on such people, when I used to be employed by a government investigation department.
Life is not fair, especially to innocent people.
- Taff, UK, 21/02/2009 00:13
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What is wrong? Julia has joined Government Ministers, MP'S AND BANKERS on the Gravy Train.
- Stan White, leeds, 20/02/2009 21:40
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Nothing should surprise anyone these days. Advocates of one cause or another are often found to be supreme hypocrites. Obama lectured everyone that they wouldn't be able to keep their homes at 72F, yet the Oval Office is at 77F. MPs spend like the drunken politicians they are and then tell the serfs that "we must all sacrifice"
- Trunk, US, 20/02/2009 15:35
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This calls for a watchdog investigation, surely....
- Sid, London, 20/02/2009 12:22
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