Jet2holidays has won a landmark court decision which has wide implications for companies looking to combat fraud.
In this case, Jet2holidays had issued contempt proceedings against Karl and Laura Hughes from Nottingham, after they brought a claim against Jet2holidays for gastric illness following a holiday to Lanzarote in 2016.
The couple alleged they had contracted food poisoning as a result of eating contaminated food, and served witness statements verified by a statement of truth detailing the extent of their illness in April 2017.
But evidence was found that undermined these claims, including Facebook and Twitter posts and 45-minutes of GoPro footage on YouTube showing Mr Hughes enjoying a snorkelling-trip despite claiming to be ill.
An ABTA Spokesperson said: “This landmark decision won by Jet2holidays, which allows companies to take action against dishonest claimants even if they do not actually submit legal proceedings, sends a clear message to any customers considering a fraudulent claim that the consequences for doing so can be very severe. Following on from previous court cases where fraudulent claimants have received a criminal record, substantial fines or a prison sentence, this important case should help ensure only genuine claimants embark on and pursue claims for compensation, which is welcome news for the industry.”
