Nationwide cashier who stole thousands from vulnerable customers was caught out by Facebook pictures of her lavish holidays
A cashier who stole thousands of dollars from vulnerable customers across the country was unmasked by colleagues after he posted photos of their luxury holidays on social media, a court heard.
Kelly Kershaw, 54, earned just £1,400 a month working as a cashier for a construction company, but often boasted of her luxury trips on Facebook, including Dubai, the Maldives and Indonesia.
Kershaw, from Nefyn in north Wales, wrote on his social media page that he ‘lived and loved life in adventures’, with photos showing him sailing, skiing and going on an African safari.
She also visited Paris, Tuscany and the Greek islands, as well as Mexico and Norway, on a Mamma Mia-inspired trip.
Kershaw, a mother-of-two, worked at Nationwide’s Caernarfon branch in mid-Wales for 18 years and was considered a trusted member of staff.
Prosecutor Huw Evans told magistrates Kershaw stole from three of the ‘most vulnerable’ customers at the branch between 2023 and 2024.
He said it was accepted by staff that he had gone on ‘numerous’ expensive holidays and appeared to be ‘living beyond his means’.
An internal investigation was launched in October 2024 and Kershaw was suspected of forging customer signatures and making cash withdrawals without the customer’s permission.
Kelly Kershaw (pictured) stole thousands from vulnerable customers while working at Nationwide and used the money to fund lavish holidays which she shared on social media
Kershaw (pictured) visited places like Paris, Tuscany, the Greek islands, Mexico and Norway
Kershaw (pictured) earned just £1,400 a month working as a cashier for a construction company, but he often boasted of his lavish trips via social media.
The victims included a 49-year-old man with learning disabilities, an 85-year-old stroke survivor and three other pensioners.
The court heard Nationwide has since paid £8,630 compensation to Kershaw’s victims.
Kershaw admitted to committing fraud five times from 2023 to 2024.
He claimed to have a ‘compulsive shopping addiction’, giving money to beggars and paying household bills.
But he admitted using the money to take vacations to the Caribbean and elsewhere.
Michael Strain, defending, said Kershaw had moved to a small community before contracting an illness.
He said he ‘really’ didn’t know why he acted the way he did.
He said: ‘He lost his job, his good name and his reputation for integrity.’
Kershaw’s victims (pictured) included a 49-year-old man with learning difficulties, an 85-year-old stroke survivor and three other pensioners
Kershaw (pictured) pleaded guilty to five fraud charges from 2023 to 2024
He added that Kershaw now works in a cleaning business.
The probation authority described Kershaw’s crimes as ‘despicable’, while Judge Sue Wynn-Jones said his victims were ‘particularly vulnerable’.
Kershaw will be sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on May 8.
A nationwide spokesman said: ‘We cannot comment on any ongoing criminal proceedings as this is a matter for the court.
‘We can confirm that the individual’s employment ends in November 2024.’
