Man, 30, charged 'after having six free nights at hotel for NHS workers'

A man has been charged with fraud after allegedly spending six free nights at a hotel by claiming to be an NHS worker.

Ben Quince, 30, checked into the Casa Hotel in Lockoford Lane, Chesterfield, at the end of March on a floor reserved for NHS staff, Derbyshire Police said.

He stayed there for six nights and allegedly told staff he worked in the A&E department at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The hotel is offering complimentary lodgings for health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, the force said.

Mr Quince, of no fixed address, has been charged with fraud by false representation.

He appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was bailed to appear again at a later date, police said.