ABTA has helped secure the prosecution of an agent who falsely claimed his trips were fully protected through ABTA, IATA, and the FTO. 

Peter Britton, who managed a travel company called Britts Abroad, was charged with seven counts of obtaining money by deception, ABTA said. 

Alongside a 12-month suspended prison sentence, he was required to pay compensation to customers who lost money due to his company not providing travel arrangements. 

ABTA was called as a witness in the case and claims its involvement was instrumental in the successful prosecution. 

ABTA risk manager Steve Abrahamson said: "We'll always press for the strongest possible sanctions when someone fraudulently pretends to be an ABTA member. 

"Dorset Trading Standards and police deserve a great deal of credit for they way they've pursued Mr Britton. 

"We hope this case puts the message out loud and clear that similar activities will not be tolerated." 

20 October 2007