FOUR fake sickness fraudsters from Middlesbrough have been sentenced to four months in prison, after conspiring to issue fraudulent compensation claims for gastric illness against Jet2holidays.

They have also been ordered to pay legal costs incurred by the Leeds Bradford Airport-based tour operator.

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 February 26 after admitting to submitting false gastric illness claims which could have resulted in them getting a pay-out of tens of thousands of pounds, including solicitor costs.

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

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

They then issued court proceedings, which were defended by Jet2holidays. During investigations, Jet2holidays and their law firm, Horwich Farrelly, discovered evidence which showed the claims were all fabricated.

The evidence included a number of social media posts from the family, including images and video footage of them enjoying themselves on holiday despite claiming to be ill. This included the family using the waterslide, swimming in the pool and drinking in the bar.

No mention or sign of any illness was made, despite the severe symptoms they claimed to have been suffering at the time.

In addition to this, 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 stated he was, “Very satisfied,” with the choice, cleanliness and quality of meals the hotel offered, despite the allegations he subsequently made.

He was also specifically asked whether anyone had been unwell on the holiday but he chose not to answer this. However, answering the question ‘Thinking about the future, how likely are you to book with Jet2holidays again in the next 12 months?’ he responded ‘Very likely’. This was despite the allegation that his “holiday was ruined as a result of the illness.”

All four pleaded guilty at the Teesside Combined Court.

When handing down his Judgment, His Honour Judge Mark Gargan said “false claims for holiday sickness are all too prevalent.” He also stated that these claims were “not merely a case of exaggeration” and were a “complete invention”.

Steve Heapy, CEO 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.

“Today’s 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.”