An Asda worker went on a huge spending spree in Harrods after defrauding the supermarket giant out of almost £27,000. Aaron Hughes was in charge of refunds as part of his role at the town’s Asda supermarket
The 30-year-old from Winsford, Cheshire, used the thousands he swindled to go on luxury trips as well as shopping at high end stores including Harrods and Selfridges. Bosses at the store investigated after a suspicious number of refunds were spotted, with Hughes found to have paid himself £26,775 in false refunds over a period of just three months.
Hughes admittted what he had done, telling his employer he took photos of products on the shop floor using his mobile before processing the false refund claims.
Hughes was arrested and admitted to detectives from Cheshire Constabulary that he had taken the money. He told police he was the victim of a blackmail plot which meant he had to pay out £500 a week, but his spending exposed the claim as a lie, according to the force.
Pc Rebecca Sadler from Cheshire Constabulary said: “Hughes has proven himself to be a prolific liar and his actions are down to nothing but greed.
“During his short three-month crime spree, he managed to steal almost £27,000 from his employers, to fund his luxury spending sprees and trips away.”
She added: “He thought he could go under the radar and even following his arrest Hughes continued to tell blatant lies to officers. Thankfully, he has now been held accountable and is facing the consequences of his actions.”
Hughes appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday (December 4) where he was sentenced to a year in prison. He had previously pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation.
