A fraudster who swindled five Nationwide building society customers and then enjoyed a lavish lifestyle has been ordered to pay £12,630 in compensation. Kelly Kershaw, 54, of Stryd y Llan, Nefyn, Gwynedd, must repay the sum within three months or face five months in prison.
Fraud details and sentencing
Kershaw was jailed for 16 months after admitting five counts of fraud while working at Nationwide in Caernarfon. She stole thousands from elderly and vulnerable customers, spending the money on skiing, sailing and an African safari. Her crimes made her £13,333.26.
During her sentencing hearing, it was revealed that she had boasted on social media about “living and loving life one adventure at a time”. Judge Timothy Petts told her she had committed a “sustained fraud and breach of trust against vulnerable customers”. In May, a judge said Kershaw was motivated simply by “greed”.
Compensation order
At a proceeds of crime hearing, Her Honour Nicola Jones ordered Kershaw to repay the available amount of £12,630 within three months or face five months in prison. This week, another hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court clarified that the £12,630 must be paid as compensation to Nationwide Building Society, as all victims have been reimbursed.
Kershaw was released from prison under the government’s early release scheme, which saw thousands completing their sentences in the community. She must wear a tag and is under a “strict curfew”, according to the Ministry of Justice.
