A Not Just Travel agent has been charged with fraud at Swindon Magistrates Court.

Wiltshire-based Mark Fitchett is accused of spending customers’ money rather than passing it on to the company.

Fitchett, aged 58, of Church Street, Calne was charged with ‘fraud by abuse of position while he was a franchisee of Not Just Travel when he was expected to safeguard or not act against the financial interests of customers he dishonestly abused that position intending to gain money for himself’.

Keith Ballinger, prosecuting, told the court: “He has allegedly taken money for holidays that customers had booked and paid for which then went into his own bank account rather than the company’s.

“He used that money for various items.”

The charge relates to a period between 8 September 2020 and 5 May 2022.

Fitchett did not enter a plea during the court hearing on Monday.

He was released on unconditional bail until 26 April when he will appear at Swindon Crown Court, where he will enter a plea to the charge of fraud by abuse of position.