Defendant reveals Ticketmaster’s knowledge of firm’s ticket reselling in touting trial

Lynda Chenery, aged 51, is currently facing trial for her alleged involvement in the operations of TQ Tickets Ltd.

During the trial proceedings, it was revealed that the company had reportedly generated over £6.5 million in ticket sales through secondary ticketing platforms.

Hailing from Dickleburgh, Norfolk, Chenery refutes three charges of fraudulent trading brought against her.

Similarly, Mark Woods, aged 59 and also from Dickleburgh, who served as a director at the firm, denies any involvement in its management and contests the three charges leveled against him.

Notably, Ms. Chenery’s sister, Maria Chenery-Woods, and Ms. Chenery’s partner, Paul Douglas, have already pleaded guilty to charges of fraudulent trading.

Ticketmaster’s Involvement in TQ Tickets Operations

Testifying at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday, Ms. Chenery disclosed her involvement in the bookkeeping tasks at the firm.

When questioned by Matthew Radstone, her defense counsel, about Ticketmaster’s awareness of ticket purchases, Ms. Chenery asserted, “I have no doubt in my mind about that.” She further explained that conversations within the office and with her sister, Maria, indicated Ticketmaster’s awareness of the operations.

Ms. Chenery also noted that Ticketmaster, which she understood owned some of the secondary ticketing sites, incentivized her sister due to her status as a top seller or broker.

In response to whether she believed her actions were dishonest or if TQ Tickets Ltd was committing fraud, Ms. Chenery replied, “No,” to both queries.

She informed the jury about her current status, mentioning her divorce from Paul Douglas and their lack of communication.

The trial has previously heard allegations that the firm utilized multiple identities to purchase tickets for various artists, including Ed Sheeran and Little Mix, between June 2015 and December 2017.

Prosecutors claim the firm acquired 47,000 tickets using 127 names and 187 different email addresses. Consequently, fans faced entry denials or discovered their tickets were valid for lower-grade seating areas.

The trial is ongoing.