Family travelled to Skegness to stay in caravan which did not exist

A man has been jailed for fraud after conning a family who believed they were going for a caravan holiday in Skegness – only to arrive and find out the caravan did not exist.

Mark Bedder, 31, and of Glenside, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison after appearing at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 30.

The court heard that a woman paid Bedder £100 after he had advertised a caravan for hire on Facebook.

She then travelled to Skegness with her family only to find that the caravan did not exist.

Bedder was arrested following an investigation by Nottinghamshire Police.

He has also been ordered to pay the victim £200 in compensation.

Detective Constable Richard Cornell of Nottinghamshire Police’s fraud team said: “There is a trend in the way criminals are operating, with offenders turning to online fraud because they think it is easier.

“It’s our job to do everything possible to make sure this is not the case.

“We want to highlight that we have absolutely no tolerance towards people who commit online fraud.

“It can be incredibly distressing for victims who experience this kind of crime.

“We have a dedicated team who will follow up any report and do everything they can to bring offenders to justice.

“If you or someone you know might have been targeted in this way, please contact us on 101 or call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

“These fraudsters often aim to target vulnerable, older people so please also speak to your relatives and make sure that they are aware of the signs.”