The case
Shelley Simpson ran Sphere Events Limited, taking payments for holidays and events between March 2019 and November 2022. National Trading Standards reported losses of about £280,000.
Evidence and court findings
Investigators received more than 90 complaints. Customers encountered missing bookings, false confirmations and demands to pay again for flights or accommodation. Evidence from electronic devices revealed falsified financial records. New customer payments covered other debts and personal spending; one family’s £37,000 Barbados trip was never booked.
The sentence
After admitting fraudulent trading, Simpson received an immediate 33-month sentence at Portsmouth Crown Court on 6 May 2026. Trading standards said it would pursue proceeds-of-crime proceedings. That announced intention should not be read as confirmation that victims had already recovered their money.
Sources and case status
This dated report records the sentence imposed. It does not establish a present prison location or release date.
By Street Crime UK · Source record checked 21 October 2026.
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