Kelly Kershaw, 54, defrauded some of the most vulnerable customers at a Nationwide Building Society branch in Wales, then splurged the cash on lavish trips abroad
A cashier who pilfered thousands from elderly customers has been jailed after she was caught out by her extravagant holiday photos.
Kelly Kershaw took money from some of the “most vulnerable” clients – including a stroke sufferer – at a Nationwide Building Society branch in Wales. The 54-year-old then blew the stolen cash on numerous luxury getaways abroad as she indulged in a safari in Africa and jaunts to Paris, Tuscany and Dubai.
Kershaw also bragged she was “living and loving life one adventure at a time” as she posted pictures from skiing holidays and a Mamma Mia tour around the Greek islands.
But her boastful Facebook posts turned out to be her undoing after workmates became suspicious about how she could fund the holidays on her £1,400-a-month wage.
Kershaw has now been imprisoned for 16 months after she admitted five counts of fraud. Caernarfon Crown Court was told she stole £8,605 but Nationwide compensated customers £12,630. The trusted employee, who had been with the building society for 18 years, carried out the crimes during 2023 and 2024.
She preyed on several vulnerable clients at the Caernarfon branch where she was employed, including an 85-year-old stroke sufferer.
Kershaw also stole from a 49-year old man with learning difficulties who stored his bank card at the branch having previously fallen victim to fraud.
An inquiry was launched in 2024 amid concerns she was faking customer signatures and authorising cash withdrawals.
Colleagues had also raised concerns about her social media photographs, which also included an image of a BMW with a personalised licence plate.
Huw Evans, prosecuting, said: “It was noted by members of staff she was having numerous expensive holidays and appeared to be living beyond her means.”
Kershaw subsequently claimed to have suffered from a “compulsive shopping addiction” and said she gave the money to beggars and paid household bills.
She also acknowledged funds were spent on holidays to the Caribbean and elsewhere.
Michael Strain, defending, said Kershaw had relocated to a close-knit community to start afresh and then developed an illness.
Mr Strain said: “She genuinely doesn’t know what caused her to behave in this way. “She’s lost her job, good name and her reputation for honesty.”
The solicitor added she was now employed by a cleaning business.
Judge Timothy Petts said Kershaw needed to be imprisoned as a “deterrent” to other cashiers so as to “prevent others from doing the same.”