Asda worker defrauded supermarket before going on £27,000 shopping spree at Harrods
05.12.2023 - 12:15
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
An Asda supermarket worker defrauded his employer to finance a spending spree at Harrods and Selfridges. And when he was caught Aaron Hughes lied, claiming he had committed the fraud because he was being blackmailed and had to make weekly payments.
In reality he used the money to buy designer shoes and clothes at the top shops and to pay for luxury trips away. He splashed almost £27,000 on the spree.
The 30-year-old of Well Street, Winsford, had previously has pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation at Chester Crown Court. Now he has been jailed for one year.
During the hearing, the court heard how Hughes was employed by Asda in Winsford and as part of his role he was in charge of dealing with refunds. Towards the end of 2022 the store launched an internal investigation after they became aware of a suspicious number of refund transactions. Following enquiries, they discovered that Hughes had paid himself £26,775 via false refunds over a three-month period.
Hughes was confronted at work and admitted his actions; telling his employers how he had photographed products from the shop floor using his mobile phone which he then processed refunds to himself.
In a statement Cheshire Constabulary said: "The incident was reported to Cheshire Police and Hughes was subsequently arrested. During questioning Hughes admitted that he had stolen the money, but he attempted to claim that he was being blackmailed and forced to pay £500 a week.
"However, following enquiries officers were able to establish that Hughes had actually spent the money on high value spending trips to Harrods and Selfridges, along with luxury trips away."
Constable Rebecca Sadler of Northwich CID, said: “Hughes has proven himself to be a prolific liar and