A WOMAN who conned holidaymakers out of more than £40,000 has been warned she is facing a prison sentence.

But, in an ironic twist, Julie Flood has been ordered by Judge Philip Statman to live at her home address until she is sentenced – apart from the 10 days when she will join her daughter in Spain on a school trip.

Flood, 45, of Sussex Road, Park Wood, Maidstone, admitted 27 charges of theft between November 2004 and March 2005 when she appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

Flood, who has previous convictions for dishonesty, stole £41,790 from people trying to book holidays on the internet.

Releasing her on bail until her sentencing hearing on August 1, Judge Statman told her to make arrangements for the future care of her 12-year-old daughter.

"These offences are extremely serious," he warned. "In my judgment they clearly pass the threshold for imprisonment and you are facing a prison sentence."

* See the Maidstone edition of the Kent Messenger for the full story.