Posthouse sues former employee over ‘theft'

Posthouse Hotels is suing a man who worked at the Cumberland hotel, London, over the alleged theft of hundreds of thousands of pounds over a six-month period.

A writ issued by lawyers Paisner & Co alleges that Jean-Pierre Abbey, who lives in London W1, took a total of £328,000 between 12 December 1999 and 14 June this year.

Forte Hotel Group said in a statement: "It is a matter of record that Posthouse has issued a writ in relation to the Cumberland hotel. The matter involves a full police investigation and, under these circumstances, it is not appropriate for us to comment further."

Although the Cumberland is not a Posthouse hotel, it was originally registered under that name, which is why the writ has been issued by Posthouse.

Posthouse is suing Abbey for repayment of the money with interest, or for an account of all money allegedly wrongfully taken and for an order for payment of all sums found due.