A SHOPKEEPER from Okehampton has admitted swindling customers who booked thousands of pounds worth of holidays through her.

Susan Lee, aged 58, changed her plea to guilty when she appeared at Exeter Crown Court accused of fraudulently offering to sell holidays. Lee submitted a ‘basis of plea’ in which she did not accept the full extent of the £186,000 fraud which was originally alleged.

She ran a business which took payments from up to 28 clients for trips abroad and in Britain over a period of five years between 2010 and 2015, but did not arrange the holidays.

Judge Geoffrey Mercer, QC, adjourned the case for a probation report and released Lee on bail. He told her: ‘You have pleaded guilty to a serious offence. You will have full credit for your plea.’

Mr David Sapiecha, prosecuting, said there may be further investigations into an organisation called the Canal Club which Lee is also alleged to have run.

He said: ‘We do not accept the Canal Club activities are legitimate and there may be inquiries if it carries on.’ 

Mrs Nikki Coombe, defending, said Lee had entered her plea on a basis which had been supplied in writing to the prosecution and the court.