Cashier stole from vulnerable customers to fund trips to Paris, Tuscany and Dubai

A building society cashier who stole from vulnerable customers was found out after colleagues saw she posted about numerous expensive holidays on social media, including a safari in Africa, as well as trips to Paris, Tuscany and Dubai, among others.

Facebook posts showed Kelly Kershaw, 54 – whose social media profile described her "living and loving life one adventure at a time" – skiing and sailing, as well as taking numerous trips abroad.

Huw Evans, prosecuting, said she stole from some of the "most vulnerable" customers at the Caernarfon Nationwide Building Society branch, including a stroke victim.

Kershaw appeared at Caernarfon Magistrates' Court and admitted five counts of fraud.

Compensation of £8,630 was sought although Nationwide had reimbursed the victims.

The Facebook photos also included an image of a BMW convertible with a personalised number plate.

Kershaw, of Nefyn, Gwynedd, committed the offences during 2023 and 2024, and Evans said she had been trusted member of staff first employed 18 years ago.

"It was noted by members of staff she was having numerous expensive holidays and appeared to be living beyond her means," Evans said.

An internal investigation began in October 2024 after it was suspected Kershaw had been forging customer signatures and processing cash withdrawals unknown to customers.

There were a high number of vulnerable customers at the Caernarfon branch where she worked, including an 85-year-old stroke victim and a 49-year-old man with learning difficulties who kept his bank card in the branch having previously been a victim of fraud.

Kershaw, who had a take home pay of £1,400 a month, claimed to have a "compulsive shopping addiction", and give money to beggars, as well as pay household bills.

But she also accepted money was spent on holidays to the Caribbean and elsewhere.

Michael Strain, defending, said she had moved to a close-knit community to start afresh and then developed an illness.

"She genuinely doesn't know what caused her to behave in this way," Strain said, adding that she was sorry.

"She's lost her job, good name and her reputation for honesty," he added.

The offences were described as "despicable" by the probation service.

Kershaw was bailed until 8 May when she will be sentenced.