Voted BEST expat paper in Spain FREE
Vol. 11 Issue 268
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June 21st - July 4th 2017
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Catch these conmen
679702_DFS_SPANISH_BOX_AD_40x40_MIJAS_COSTA.indd 23/02/2017 11:31 1 EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
Geldof weds
Exclusive look at Pixie Geldof’s star-studded wedding
Page 3
A look at Spain’s greatest gay icons during Pride month
Page 6
Coastal gem Our annual Marbella travel supplement
Page 17
Fit for royalty
Exclusive look at Spain home that was built for Princess Di
Page 33
Missing expat Lisa Brown suspect flees Spain to escape Costa del Sol ‘drug mafia’ La Linea by the ‘Costa del Sol drug mafia’. He says they believe he could be a police informant after being docked close to people
Sister’s promise Lisa’s sister, Helen Jordan, 50, has insisted her family will never quit until those responsible are behind bars. It comes two months after Simon Corner was released on bail, paying €10,000. “We are Lisa’s voice now and will never stop pushing for answers,” Jordan told the Olive Press. “The people who know where she is are living normal lives among you. They are walking your streets and are dangerous.” Police fear she was murdered at home before her body was thrown out to sea.
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who work in the drugs trade in Alcaidesa port. “I’m just a guy on a boat trying to enjoy the easy life, I mind my own business.
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“But they came to me and gave me 24 hours to leave or they said they would slit my throat. “They think I’m a grass, if I go back to Spain I’m a dead man.” He claims he has been pleading with the British Embassy for help, but that they had not returned Beasley’s calls at time of press. Lisa’s sister claimed she could not comment directly about his involvement. Helen Jordan, 50, said: “We just want him to tell the truth and maybe the authorities will then help him.” If you have information contact the Olive Press on 951 273 575 or at newsdesk@theolivepress.es
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Vol. 11 Issue 267
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June 8th - June 21st 2017
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L NDON
Spycatcher
679702_DFS_SPANISH_BOX_AD_40x40_MIJAS_COSTA 23/02/2017 11:31 .indd 1
BRAVE: Ignacio and Sergio (right)
TRUE HEROES
A PAIR of Spanish heroes came to the aid of Londoners attacked by three crazed terrorists. Ignacio Echeverria and Sergio Farina stepped in to save the lives of innocent bystanders caught up in the carnage that killed seven and injured 48. Fears however are now growing for Ignacio Echeverria (pictured top left), from Madrid, who defended a woman from one of the terrorists. Echeverria, 39, is said to have been on his way home from a skate park on the Saturday night when he attempted to defend a woman with his skateboard in Borough Market. He was last seen lying on the pavement and his family have been unable to locate him despite calling the Spanish consulate, and hospitals. The Red Cross has also made an appeal to locate him.
Onslaught
In a second incident, a heroic Spanish waiter put his life on the line during the onslaught. CCTV footage shows Sergio Farina, from Galicia, throw himself against the door of his bar to prevent one of the knife-brandishing terrorists from entering. He managed to keep the man at bay, before opening the door to help another person find safety. “You do not even think about it,” he said. “I could have simply left, as everyone did, but I would have left 28 people behind.” He added that ‘all he could see was a guy with dynamite’ as he tried to lower the bar shutters. He added: “We did not know how many terrorists there were and whether they would return.” Opinion Page 6
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England rugby international demands action over sophisticated holiday scam website that netted nearly €50,000 from him
Mauled EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan
RUGBY star Dean Schofield is urging action after being mauled in a sophisticated holiday shakedown.
Wasps international Dean (above) and wife Gemma, both 38, were set to take a dream break to Spain with friends to celebrate the England international’s retirement. But the vacation turned into a nightmare after the group of 16 from Cheshire unwittingly booked via a fraudulent holiday website that has dozens of homes on the Costa del Sol. In total, scammers took payment and deposit of €5,700 (£5,000) and €11,400 (£10,000) respectively before swiping another €29,800 (£26,000) for their stunning villa in Mallorca, which is owned by a wealthy British owner.
other stories came up. When we emailed the person we’d been dealing with called ‘Flavio’ he sent an abusive email back. “Luckily we were in a fortunate position where we could arrange an alternative villa and still get the flight over. But what if we were from a normal family and couldn’t afford to come? a horrible moment and we We were at least able to salvage weren’t sure what to do. “We started Googling it and the holiday.” The group had come across the stunning six-bedroom villa with a huge pool and grounds and got in touch via email. Rentholidaysvillas.com is hosted by with law enforcement The website looked extremely on alleged fraud US-based server GoDaddy, which was and have processes credible and even had a photo for taking action. If warned as long ago as April of the scam anyone believes of its alleged owner, ‘Flavio Herby a leading holiday rental site in Spain. ed they should they have been defraudnandes Davila’, who did the necontact law enforcement.” When asked why it was still live this week, Contact your local gotiating. police and Action Fraud GoDaddy Digital Crimes boss Ben Butler, and email newsdesk@theolivepress.es “I must confess we did think if explained: “We communicate regularly you’ve been scammed. it was a bit cheap for where it was, and it in fact rents for a lot more,” admitted Gemma. Thankfully, the group of eight 1987 adults and eight children who Patience of 2017 are still on holiday are now a Santo! trying to reclaim their money as the booking was made via a JOINING THE credit card. three decade CLUB! The website however is still live, The Olive Press toasts the 30th despite being reported to its web anniversary of two of Andalucia’s hosting company by the Olive Press and to UK police. yet leading hotels, Molino del The website boasted that ‘you SCAMMED: Holiday group and (right) fake site with profile
The group only rumbled the scam, via rentholidaysvillas. com, the day before they flew.
stolen from Oz agent
“We were very angry when we found out,” Gemma told the Olive Press this week. “It was
STOP THE SCAMMERS
THREE DECADES
42
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Food, drink & travel
June 8th - June 21st 2017
www.theolivepress.es
June 8th - June 21st 2017
ago
30
43
years
TODAY
CAPTION.
A year in the life of Andalucia’s favourite molino hotel, as it reaches its 30th birthday
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 June 8th - June 21st 2017
43
IN BUSINESS SCAM: In last issue sleep on oblivious and normal breakfast service begins at normal at 8am
2000 WEDDING MADNESS
I
Few weddings match the Brits T is 30 years ago this Spring that their guests) who got married in (and two British teachers left their steady jobs full Wild West costumes with their sixin UK primary schools to make a shooters… and in July. The ceremony living in Spain with a couple of friends. takes place in 4pm as the mercury Despite having no experience of nudges 40ºC with the bride arriving hospitality trade, they decided to the ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt on a white steed to meet her groom in located from room 3 to the terrace vert a run-down watermill in rural conchaps and a Stetson and to the sound RonCAPTION. outside and remains there for the strong guys to help carry a big da into a small hotel. of gun shots. next 12 nights. An embarrassed husband to their terrace. Half an hour box Fast forward three decades Estione non later Andy explains that he has been banished the same guests asks for a large Chapell and Pauline Elkin run one raturep eli2001 POLITICAL SHENANIof and hopes there is no problem. bucket of ice. It soon emerges a Spain’s most successful small hotels, we can afford to multiply and we Not tiae rnatur? the slightest, and we are delighted complete with optics has been bar Molino del Santo, employing 25 people our first heiress – and Carmen’s have GANS set arrivQui te when on the penand accommodating thousands al reassures locals that these weird up on the terof A famous MP, a regular guest here, ultimate night he guests each year. foreigners may not be so strange race… all well has af- such a wild wedding anniversary is readmitted to But, it has certainly been something ter all. night and good until, of that he forgets he has changed rooms. sleep with ER INan emotional rollercoaster with plenty said guests, His wife goes to bed before him DOORS. of hiccups and unusual goings arrive at happy with 1993 DOCTOR’S KNICKERS the room key so he has to serenade her along the way, as the pair reveal: on hour in the bar to get in during 2008 SURand invite variAt the village health centre opening it’s the wrong the wee hours. A shame door! ous others to 1987 MISSED DEADLINES party one of the doctors gets so inebriPRISING their terrace ated she chooses to relieve herself GUESTS BARKING DISREto avoid payIt’s not a fantastic start as our the lawn and rejoins the party with on 2002 shoeher SPECTFUL PART THREE ing the hotel’s string budget only allows for seven skirt tucked into the back of her knick30 ROOM NIGHTS - we are offering prices. rooms which, being Andalucia, ers. It’s a night to remember. JUST 30 room nights at are The cleaners deThe hotel policy is to allow pets not open in time. Delayed by a week, very special rates between the 15th mand we chat to June and the 26th July 2017. some guests go just too far, but guests have to be accommodated 2013W RE1994 BEST RURAL HOTEL when in the sixty-somethey take down their curtains alternative hotels CAPTION. TURNING to thing woman in 30% DISCOUNT - yes book a stay After seven years graft we are select- make a bed for their dog to sleep on. with us within the above room 10, who reception counter comes into 25 GUESTS 25 There is fur everywhere www.theolivepress.es June 8th - June 21st dates 2017 and you fresh perwork. June 8th - June 21st 2017 ed as the ‘best rural hotel’ in Spain and the drywill get a FULL 30% discount on our changes contact with a customer’s very expeninto a glitzy London ceremony. It’s all at cleaning bill is horrendous. normal rates a sive mohair sweater. Limited edition It is not uncomminuscule go - BUT it only applies to a total of 30 1991 NAKED ACTRESS from here. g-string and gyrates to imaginary clothing costs more to replace room nights - once they’re mon toJune CAPTION. find8th - June 21st 2017 than 2003 SEMI ROYAL WEDDING It quickly becomes clear that gone, they’re gone. Maximum of two music until they have finished that all our 18 Estione four expected. It’s a costly start to the year. While filming in the their nights per booking at this rooms are being occupied by people bosses are too many and the partnerarea, a famous and 1995 HEIRESS NUMERO tasks. What can you say. Free world An aristocratic Spanish family choose non raturep very attractive Spanish actress arrives who have been before… and the most special rate. Subject to availability. ship collapses with huge stress for really. DOS ev- 1990 POLICE VISIT Molino for the wedding of their daughto eat with friends. She asks if she faithful guest record is held jointly elitiae rnaeryone involved and Andy and Pauline by ter. Hotel resources are stretched swim in the pool and then changes can a couple from Lancashire and a family go it alone, thankfully with the tur? Qui te to into With the birth of Rosanna we are 2009 CHANGE OF TACK With finally accommodate the 90 guests but the from San Roque. from their friends at a few key help policethe season in full flow, local her bikini on the dining terrace in no accepted, properly, voluptures moarrive demanding paperwork rush and without any into the village. event goes very well, although tragedy ments. need of a towel… After 20 years of training local chefs, which it is virtually impossible ea nam acstrikes when the bride soon dies to one memory which is hard to forget. 2014 HONOURS AT FITUR suda Scottish chap Gordon is introduced obtain. Threats of immediate depordenly leaving husband with a young catem haris 1996 FAMILY ILLNESS from a nearby village. He has tation are only prevented by baby. ex et voloria soon legal 1992 HEIRESS NUMERO Molino del Santo is honoured opened our eyes to new techniques 30 MEALS - we are offering JUST intervention. And, typically of course, It’s a year of back and forth 30 meals at very special rates nonseque Spanish Travel Fair Fitur at Trip at UNO and really excellent food. He moves four years later a very large fine AdAndy’s mum is diagnosed with after 2004 FLOODING on is visor event. A huge photo of a Cadiz between the 15th June and the the nis dia simo in 2013 but his legacy lives on. a tersanctioned despite no other 26th July 2017. minal illness in hotel white within 100kms beach in the Andalucia pavilion having the correct pa- As the business starts to grow nicely Resources are the Channel Islands. Heavy mountain convinces the owners to forge ahead stretched and rains leave the lower 30% DISCOUNT - yes book a meal 2010 OH MATRON soon see how being away from you floor under six inches of water. with a plan to purchase a Costa with us within the above your Guests home and business brings all kinds la Luz home that has been eyed de dates and you will get a FULL 30% of are temporarily accommodated in lofor We normally remind guests of things practical issues. cal hotels while mopping-up goes discount on your final bill a while. left behind, but we decide against - BUT it only applies to a total of 30 and within four hours (thanks to on there meals - once they’re gone, pointing out a drawer full of sex being no carpets) the hotel returns 2015 LOCAL ECONOMY 1997 VIPS DINING to in one room and a small plastic aids normality. bag they’re gone. with a white substance in another. Since its earliest days the hotel TALENT: Ricky helps As our fame grows, we have the head They are quickly disposed of. Maximum raiseof€12,200 for charity two people has per booking at this special rate. Subject sought to recruit and buy locally whenthe Junta, no less, turn up for lunch. of 2005 EDUCATIONAL ISSUES to availability. He ever possible. This reaches a arrives with full entourage and security Seafood Restauran 2011 CHEEKIEST GUESTS Having made the choice to send t point when a local group of young new and guards stand at all entrances our people offer to play flamenco for guests all our staff getting frisked beforewith little heiresses to school in the UK, for A group arrives with a fleet of luxury and become a regular fixture. ing allowed to serve the guests. be- the next six years two homes are mainvehicles - some It’s a tained and we To celebrate its big 30th birthday, a huge long way from a class of nine-year-olds take it in turns two million euros charity bash raised a staggering €12,200 here or there to look after them, to be in Hampshire. • Early Bird 20€ - 6.00 - 8.00pm worth - making our 2016 GRATE-for charity. also running the hotel. Testing while times car park look like indeed. FUL OWNERS The sold out event, featuring Ricky Lavaz• Á La Carte Menu Monte Carlo. After 1998 GUIDING GUESTS za, with his Robbie Williams and Michael We will only accept bookings for these the bill is paid the As the owners cel- Buble renditions, distributed the money 2006 FOOD THIEF BOOKING RECOMMEN question of a reBy now with 15 rooms we get DED ebrate their 60th raised to three children’s charities. special offers via e-mail. Mention peat trip is raised, ognition by Michelin, The Good rec- Cleaners this birthdays in the “We take pride in discover that a little old lady but because they tel Guide, Alastair Sawday and Ho- in advertisement when you enquire. same year, some of the fact we give SERIOUSLY GOOD FO room 12 is a kleptomaniac and The have these very exRough Guide all helping to spread OD the staff organize something back filled every single surface in her has on at Sunset Beach and info@molinodesanto.com. lot going THERE pensiveis acars room the word. (ED. Olive Press owner mak-for a journey for them to local charities. with themselves. speak the ingstatistics Open Tuesday - Saturday from the place Clarke and wife spend a night Jon tableitems filched from the breakfast look to Barcelona with I think it’s imporDon’t leave it too late - once 30 people here 6pm – more yogurts, bananas, rolls tant to give to amazing, while on holiday) would flights and accom- those and cakes than she could ever eat. total, the hotel caters for around ●it beInpossible who don’t have booked we’re closing the offer. thea day in peak season – modation ALL paid. get to enjoy holiemerges that she arrives at breakfastIt guests next 2,000 stay could be 1,000 at any time of It is such a kind days, like termiwith a large hand bag and when rarely under free?and ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt So will we not gesture – no won- nally-ill 1999 A DIFFICULT NIGHT the year. watched grabs enough food to feedunchildren,” be paying a our supder that so many said manager Mark counts 554 rooms and com● The hotel small army. pliers and staff Local 1, La Cala de Mijas guests comment Wardell. We are awoken to discover that a areas,forwhich are looked after by a munal that particular on the excellent The event, held at to 69 cleaners, who process has died, quickly confirmed byguest 2007 team of upstay then, awestaggering DOMESTIC ARGUask… Un-450.000 kilos of laundry staff at the hotel. Dutch doctors in the room next the the resort’s Moondoor. MENTS believable. every year! The local medic is called and arranges light Bar, was a ● The Food and Beverage team mean2017 NEW TRICKS for an undertaker to arrive at 5am complete sell out, to Staff show great concert counts 71 staff who work tirelessly take the body – the rest of the guests with www.molinodelsanto.com prizes from when on 2012while GUESTS from Oasis | info@molinodelsanto.com | 952 16 2 a la the various outlets 2 of a 14-night stay a mattress day inCHEEKIEST A hotel is never boring and we are like companies is re71 51 al- Jet2 dining, poolside snacks, lobby/ ways adding new activities and things and OakESTACIÓN Land DE BENAOJÁN, NEAR RONDA, MÁLAGA Some carte guests arrive asking beach bar, Luna for club, cocktail two Salitos Furniture up for to do. This year it is paragliding to add grabs. beach bar show rooms and banqueting. ● Then there are 14 ‘animation’ girls and There were other performances, including guys whose sole purpose is to make an Adele tribute by Nikki Rae (above). young and old guests alike have a funThe money donated went to the Debra Butpacked visit. terfly Children Charity, Make a Wish Spain ● And then come the weddings, with and Barretstown Ireland charities. FUN TIMES: Entertainment team today across the key
Molino del Santo - the best-loved hotel and restaurant near Ronda - is celebrating 30 years in business with 30 special offers in the hotel and another 30 in the restaurant
HOTEL OFFERS
24 24
A B
ll about www.theolivepress.es 1988 COLLAPSING PARTNERSHIP enalmadena
ago
30
1989 DESIGNER CLOTHING ROW
years
RESTAURANT OFFERS
Unfortunately a recently-painted
fl
SEA FOOD DIFFERENTLY
P
ERCHED on a headland below the pretty white village of Benalmadena lies Sunset Beach Club. Surrounded by lovely beaches and with stunning views across the Med, it is no surprise it has become one of the Costa del Sol’s best known hotels. But while it is already a major landmark receiving thousands of visitors from around the world each month, it has now reached legendary status. For Sunset Beach has just celebrated its 30th birthday making it a true Malaga stalwart. Celebrating in style with a big anniversary bash, which raised €12,200 for charity, the hotel has never been in ruder health. Aside from the hundred-plus weddings it hosts every year, it has countless returning guests and a capacity rate of an incredible 93% between February and November. “That’s a rate almost unheard of on the coast,” explains Mark Wardell, who has been managing the hotel for the last 13
Santo and Sunset Beach Club
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Giving back
Sunset Beach Club, the emblematic hotel, has reached its 30th birthday writes Laura Duckett
GRAB HOW ANTO OFFER
Measuring up
| Mob: 661 84 33 83
Avenida de Rota, Urb. Torrenueva,
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EIGHTIES STYLE: But with computers
years. An incredible range of guests and nationalities come throughout the year, including Canadians in the winter, people from most European countries and plenty from further afield. “We regularly have returning guests who used to stay with their families as children in the 80s,” continues Wardell, a cultured, softly-spoken Irishman, who is incredibly approachable and hands on with both staff and guests. “And it is great to have them back.” So what is the key to the hotel’s success? Sunset Beach is a complete resort as opposed to a hotel. The guests needs are entirely taken care of and waited on hand and foot by up to 220 staff at peak times. Its Irish owners - who also own upmarket La Cala Resort in Mijas - have spent over €22m upgrading its facilities since the Millennium. Without a doubt the price/ quality level is one of the best on the coast across all
PERFECT LOCATION: By a headland in Benalmadena
POSTCARDS THROUGH THE AGES: How things have changed from the 1980s to today in terms of quality and comfort and in terms of the amount of entertainment and huge range of guests, who come from over 100 countries around the world
its extensive facilities. On site, there’s a supermarket, gym, beautician and hairdresser, as well as a variety of restau-
Luna Beach Club review By Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke
YOU dine to the sound of waves, which almost lap at your feet. Romantic in the extreme, you could not ask for a nicer ‘chiringuito’, which sits a short stroll up the beach from the Sunset Beach hotel. Subtly-lit, this natural spot - all thatched roofs, simple deckings and rope fences - also counts on an excellent menu, at extremely good value. I particularly liked the grilled langoustines, which came with a choice of sauces and
a very generous green salad, while the brochette of chicken and salmon was delicious. A starter of vegetarian spring rolls were excellent in sweet chili relish, while a rack of lamb is available for the more hearty eaters. There was a catch of the day and a nice range of puddings as well. A wine list includes the excellent Payoya Negra from Ronda, as well as the good value Habla de Silencio from Extremadura, at 22 euros.
rants and and bars, bars, including including the the excellent excellent Oasis Oasis rants restaurant, Luna Luna Beach, Beach, Panorama Panorama bar bar and and the the restaurant, popular Moonlight Moonlight Bar Bar venue, venue, which which has has aa cacapopular
pacity for 350 and hosts various events throughout the year. In addition, there is a huge range of activities
So much on offer
around 130 spread months from April to October.
on offer, including aerobics, cookery and Spanish classes all year round, not to mention billiards, live music and scuba diving. The rooms are all one or two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi and satellite TVs with several international channels. Blas Lopez, who has been at the hotel since its opening in 1987, says the resort has always been ahead of the game in terms of technology. “When I arrived, even the guests were surprised that we had computers at the reception,” he recalls. Lopez, along with several other long-term loyal staff members, has seen the hotel
evolve throughout the years - from a quality three-star establishment, to the more luxurious four-star property it is now. While most visitors hail from the UK and Ireland, the resort has recently been attracting more and more customers from around the world, with up to 100 nationalities staying here throughout the year. This is one of the things Lopez enjoys the most about working there. “You get all kinds of people here - Canadians, South Africans and Germans - it really depends on the year. So no two days are the same working here. “ That along with the satisfaction he feels by helping his guests with their requests large or small. It’s staff like this and their commitment to hospitality that, undoubtedly, give the resort its gleaming reputation.
BIG CHEQUE: For one of three charities with Ricky and Steve Day, of Oak Land Furniture
T
he hotel counts on three restaurants and various bars. The excellent Panorama bar on the sixth floor overlooking the pool is very much the nerve centre and busy for much of the day, particularly at Happy Hour, from 7pm when you’ll expect to find hundreds of revellers enjoying a sundowner. Downstairs the Oasis Restaurant and Terrace serves up a big range of dishes, with a very international flavour. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is often live music and a takeaway service is available. Children have a Pirates menu at just seven euros and there are various set menu specials and early bird discounts. Nearby, the Tikki pool bar has various snacks on offer, while Luna Beach Club has a much more sophisticated and gour-
met range of dishes (see review far left). For nightlife, few places are nicer for a cocktail or sundowner than Salitos, overlooking the sea. A popular summer haunt with expats, it is open from 6pm to 4am and usually buzzing at key times. If it is live entertainment you are looking for the Moonlight Bar has plenty of events and concerts, many of them free. One of the top venues on the coast there have been a range of big shows, including a Blues Festival, and other international artists, such as Otis Redding III.
CELEBRATIONS: Inside RANGE: From Salitos (far left) to Panorama and Oasis (right)
Continues on Page 2
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Dragged
However, he insisted he is entirely innocent and was wrongly dragged into the investigation over missing Brown, who mysteriously vanished November 4, 2015. Beasley was pals with Lisa’s boyfriend at the time, Simon Corner, who he sold a boat engine to. He was pulled in for ‘withholding information’, alongside Stephen Jackson and Corner, both of whom are still under investigation. “I was held for three days and grilled constantly,” he told the Olive Press. “If they had anything they would have charged me by now, it’s ridiculous, I told them everything I know,” Speaking on a mobile from his boat in Portugal, he added: “The last time I saw Lisa was on November 1, (three days before she vanished), when I asked her if she had got some antiques I had delivered to her home, and that’s all I know. “If I knew where Lisa was, I would have told the police.” He is now involved in a legal tussle with Spanish police to have his passport returned. The Swansea-born expat, who has a wooden leg and needs heart medication, claims he was forced to leave
?
NOW!
A THIRD British man arrested over missing expat Lisa Brown has fled to Portugal on his grandson’s boat, it can be revealed. The Olive Press has spoken to the Welsh pensioner, who confirmed that he was currently ‘living in a Portuguese port’, but refused to give further details. Ron Beasley, 71, confirmed he had broken his bail conditions, which required him to report to San Roque police every day, but had been forced to leave Spain to escape the clutches of the ‘Costa del Sol drug mafia’.
1987
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THE Olive Press is demanding action against a string of fake holiday rental sites falsely advertising luxury villas across Spain. It comes after we reported last issue that scam site Rentholidaysvillas.com was conning British tourists out of thousands of euros each year. In total, British victims lost €8.16 million in holiday scams last year, a year-on-year rise of 20%, claims the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). OLIVE PRESS – 70mm x 40mm FRONT COVER 7 June
Worst
In one of the worst examples, reported last issue, rugby star Dean Schofield shelled out nearly 50,000 euros for a fraudulent villa break. We have now discovered many other websites running similar fraudulent schemes, including Spainvipholidays.com, Luxurydreamsvillas.com and www.digitaldreamsholidays.com. Top-end properties in Marbella and Sotogrande are being marketed by the scammers at massively reduced prices to lure victims in. Helle Heredia, from Costa del Sol-based rental firm Novasol, said she had heard of ‘25 to 30’ recent cases of people being scammed but believed there were ‘many more’. “It’s so scary with these scam sites - they pop up with just one purpose, of robbing people of their money in the most important time of everyone’s year - their holidays,” she said. “It is too easy to make a website today - just ensure not to be tempted by fantastic offers by companies you have never Continues on Page 2
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OLIVE PRESS – 70mm x 40mm FRONT COVER 21 June