Former director of West Berkshire firm guilty of fraud

The award-winning commercial director now faces jail after dishonestly taking more than £5,000

A FORMER commercial director of a West Berkshire travel company has been told he is likely to face jail after admitting to taking more than £5,000 from the business.

John Pollard, who now lives in Prestwich, Manchester, committed fraud on four occasions between July 18 and August 1 whilst commercial director at Aldermaston firm, Bookable Holidays, Newbury magistrates heard yesterday (Thursday).

The 39-year-old had only been with the Aldermaston firm for two months when it was discovered he had dishonestly taken £5.591.59.

Helen Waite, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Pollard's new role included installing a new booking system, which he then used to commit fraud.

Mr Pollard, who has previous convictions for obtaining property by deception and theft by an employee, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position.

Ian Campbell, defending, said his client took the money due to ‘family difficulties' and left Bookable Holidays after an argument about a £1,000 expenses claim for food and drink whilst on business trips.

He told the court that all of the money owed to Bookable Holidays had now been repaid.

Mr Pollard was released on unconditional bail to reappear at West Berkshire Magistrates Court on December 15 for sentencing.

Presiding magistrate, Lynda Gent indicated that Mr Pollard is likely to face a period of imprisonment for the offence.

Only last year, Mr Pollard picked up two industry awards at Travel Weekly's Globe Travel Awards whilst he was commercial director at Manchester-based travel firm, On The Beach.

For more on this story pick up a copy of the Newbury Weekly News on Thursday.