4* Deception – Holiday Hell

Mrs Heulwen Irene Smith of Brynheulog, Howle Hill, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on April 23 2007 after pleading guilty to three charges under the Trade Description Act 1968 for falsely describing holiday accommodation and to two offences under the Theft Act 1968 relating to the theft of property from guests.

Mrs Smith falsely described two holiday rental properties near Ross on Wye namely ‘Brynheulog’ as having a ‘Tourist Board 4*’ rating and the ‘Old Limekilns / Old Kiln’ as having an ‘AA 4* rating’, which she knew to be false. Numerous complaints were also made about her attitude and behaviour to guests.

His Honour Judge Geddes, commented that Mrs Smith had a lamentable history of dishonesty when acting on her own behalf or in business – and sentenced her to three months imprisonment suspended for two years and imposed costs of £1000.

Mike Pigrem - Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards Manager commenting after the case said: "This has been a very difficult, complex and involved case that has taken a considerable amount of time and effort to finally bring to a resolution. Mrs Smith has been very evasive and has taken every opportunity to delay proceedings and prolong the hearing.

"A lot of credit must to be given to the investigating Officer, Kathryn Simpson, whose professionalism and dedication to the case has been instrumental in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion. Mrs Smith’s reputation precedes her. She has knowingly falsified the classification of these rental properties deliberately misleading customers and causing considerable distress along the way.

"Tourism is extremely important to the County and Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards Service will always take the necessary action to ensure that Herefordshire’s reputation for being a good place to stay is maintained. “