Police officer jailed for £60k spending spree lies

A police officer has been jailed after lying about lavish trips to resorts in Scotland, including Gleneagles, and on the continent. Picture: Hemedia

Tracy Taylor, 43, from Carlisle, had racked up more than £60,000 worth of debts and as a result had come to an arrangement to pay back a proportion of that sum.

But Newcastle Crown Court heard that she lied to her creditors about her outgoings and was enjoying holidays to Italy and Gleneagles.

Taylor, who yesterday was dismissed from Cumbria Constabulary for gross misconduct, had claimed she was spending £595 a month on childcare and £595 a month on fuel due to a 40-mile (64km) daily trip.

But in fact the childcare for her six-year-old was costing her nothing, as the bill of £14 was being paid for by the police force, and her daily commute was just eight miles (13km).

Andrew Walker, prosecuting, told the court she rented out her house for £750 per month, earning £5,250, purchased a new BMW for £9,000 and went on a two-week holiday to Italy.

Along with her husband Paul she also enjoyed a luxury weekend break at Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, which included Michelin star food and a shooting day.

Other vacations the pair took included trips to Legoland and to Loch Lomond.

All of this was done despite telling her creditors the family only had a disposable income of £160 per month.