Jail for fraudster who ran airport

A MAN who ran Limoges Airport for three months before being shopped by an ex-girlfriend as having no qualifications for the job has been jailed.

The airport director, Jean-Philippe Gaillard, was given two years, one suspended, having been found guilty of fraud for using false diplomas and references. He was also told to pay €5,000 damages to his ex-employers the CCI (chamber of commerce) of Limoges.

The accusations against him had included recidivism in the use of forgeries. The prosecution had asked for four years, one suspended.

Gaillard was taken on in November last year and cited in his defence the severe impact of a disappointment some 20 years ago when he had failed studies to become a pilot.

The public prosecutor said: “He’s a loser and I’m tired of hearing that he is ‘brilliant’.” He said Gaillard was a “bog-standard crook”, “a permanent victim”, and a “professional liar” who had wanted to fulfil a “childish whim”.

Defence lawyer Caroline Toby said the chamber of commerce, which took the legal action: “Has come here to complain about damage that doesn’t exist in French criminal law – having been made to look ridiculous.”

Gaillard had previously been found guilty of fraud by the courts of Bordeaux, Agen and Périgueux in other matters.

Ms Toby said the court took into the account the fact her client did no actual harm to the CCI.

A request by the prosecution that he should be immediately held in custody was not accepted by the judge and Gaillard walked free awaiting his call to attend prison. He is considering appealing, Ms Toby said.

Photo:66 Minutes (screenshot)