A TEESSIDE family of fraudsters have been sentenced to a four-month prison sentence after trying to falsely claim compensation for food poisoning against Jet2holidays. 

Christopher Byng, 38, Barbara Byng, 64, Linda Lane, 36, and Anthony Byng, 66, all from Middlesbrough, were convicted of contempt of court at Teesside Combined Court on Friday, February 26, after admitting to submitting false gastric illness claims.

If successful, the claims could have resulted in a pay-out of tens of thousands of pounds, including solicitor costs.

But Jet2holidays and their law firm Horwich Farrelly discovered evidence showing the claims were fabricated.

The four claimed that they, and the two children they were travelling with, had all suffered food poisoning symptoms including stomach cramps, sickness, diarrhoea, headaches and hot and cold sweats on an all-inclusive holiday at the Paradise Lago Taurito & Waterpark, Gran Canaria in November 2016.

The court proceedings were defended by Jet2holidays, who provided evidence of the family enjoying themselves on holiday despite claiming to be ill.

Images and videos of the family were obtained showing them using the waterslide, swimming in the pool and drinking in the bar.

It was also revealed that Jet2holidays sent a survey to the family on their return from holiday that Christopher Byng completed.

When asked how satisfied he was with the holiday he said he was "very satisfied”, including with the quality of meals the hotel offered despite claims of food poisoning. 

He was also specifically asked whether anyone had been unwell on the holiday but did not answer this.

All four pleaded guilty at the Teesside Combined Court.

Christopher, Barbara and Anthony Byng all received immediate custodial sentences, with Linda Lane receiving a suspended sentence.

They have also been ordered to pay legal costs incurred by the holiday provider. 

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2holidays, said: “We have led the way when it comes to tackling the issue of fake sickness claims, and we continue to do so.

"Issuing a false claim for compensation is fraud, plain and simple, and we have been at pains to warn people that there are serious consequences if they choose to do so.

"The ruling is the latest illustration of that, and it sends out a very stark message. We will not hesitate to take action against fraudsters, and the courts will not hesitate to punish them.”

David Scott, a partner at Horwich Farrelly, the law firm that investigated the claims on behalf of Jet2holidays said: “Despite successfully defending thousands of fraudulent holiday sickness claims, they remain an issue for travel companies.

"We welcome the judge’s verdict, which sends out a strong message that if you are caught presenting a dishonest claim, there are severe consequences."