Overview
- The unpaid bill traces to a stay at Crathorne Hall Hotel on May 11 when a man booked two rooms for three adults and four children and the group left without paying a large bar and room-service tab.
- Police opened a fraud investigation and on June 16 released a CCTV still of a man they want to speak to as part of efforts to identify those responsible.
- Officers say the card used to book and attempt payment had insufficient funds, leaving the hotel with a significant outstanding debt.
- Anyone who recognises the man is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police by emailing ian.butterfield@northyorkshire.police.uk or calling 101 and quoting reference 12260086487.
- Local media coverage has highlighted the reputational and financial impact on the hotel and the probe remains active with no arrests or charges reported so far.