Jody Oliver, 44, was said to have dressed as a cruise ship captain with a Carnival lanyard and lied to victims about discounted holidays.

Newport Crown Court reportedly heard he admitted stealing £320,315 through the scam. Oliver, of Bwlch, Powys, also created fake documents before cancelling or delaying the holidays, claiming it was a result of "security issues" or "ship problems".

According to the BBC, he also created fictitious Carnival staff to back up his story, forwarding victims fake emails.
 

Andrew Davis, prosecuting, reportedly said Oliver gave his name as Jonathan and said he was born in 1983 when he was first quizzed by police. He insisted he was a "master mariner" and had served as captain for Carnival for two years.

Concluding, judge Richard Williams said: "You’ve devastated not only your immediate family but all those involved in this case and have left a lot of people significantly out of pocket and feeling betrayed.

"The motivating factor in your offending is your profound dishonesty and willingness to leech off those of your acquaintance."

He ordered an investigation into Oliver’s finances so a proceeds of crime hearing can be held.

TTG has approached Carnival Corporation for comment.