A woman has been ordered to pay more than £9,000 in compensation to victims after taking their money for caravan holidays that never materialised. Alyson Perrett, 61, of Rockleigh Avenue in Aberbargoed, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing, having pleaded guilty to nine counts of fraud by false representation.
Pattern of Offending
The court heard that between January 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, Perrett acted as a booking agent for caravan rentals at Trecco Bay in Porthcawl, taking a “small cut” but instead keeping the full payments for herself. Victim impact statements read by prosecutor Sali Harmes detailed the financial and emotional toll on those affected.
One victim described “significant financial loss and significant sleep disturbance”. Another, an unpaid carer of two disabled children, had saved for a long time to take a trip planned for December, which was to be the first Christmas after losing her father. Others included a friend booking a break for someone undergoing cancer treatment, and a person who had a leg amputation and was battling stage four kidney cancer.
Arrest and Sentence
Multiple complaints led to Perrett's arrest on February 9, 2024. In mitigation, defence barrister Kevin Seal said alcohol was a major problem: “Drink was a major problem for her at the time and she was using drink as a way of blanking out emotions and grief.” He added that she now wishes to change her life and would like an alcohol treatment programme.
Recorder Greg Bull KC, sentencing, said: “You fell into a problem where you were depressed and drinking and gambling. If everyone did that the world would be in chaos. What you did over a period of 20 months was to steal from people who did not have the means. Your conduct was of the meanest type, and gave heartache to many not having their holidays. You should be thoroughly ashamed of what you did.”
Perrett received a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. She must complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a six-month alcohol treatment programme. Compensation payments totaling £9,365 were ordered, comprising amounts of £4,515, £1,900, £550, £500, £480, £350, £350, £300, £220, and £200.
