Ticketmaster Accused of Knowing About Touting Firm’s Activities, Trial Hears

A trial at Leeds Crown Court has unveiled allegations against Ticketmaster, suggesting the company was well aware of the activities of a touting firm, TQ Tickets Ltd. Lynda Chenery, 51, is currently facing trial for her involvement in the firm, alongside Mark Woods, 59, who both deny charges of fraudulent trading. Maria Chenery-Woods and Paul Douglas, who are also connected to the case, have already admitted to fraudulent trading.

Linda Chenery testified that she handled some bookkeeping tasks for TQ Tickets Ltd and further claimed that Ticketmaster was knowledgeable about the ticket purchasing operations happening. She highlighted conversations with her sister, Maria, indicating Ticketmaster’s awareness. The defendant also mentioned that Ticketmaster had ownership stakes in some secondary ticketing websites and provided incentives to her sister due to her high sales volume.

During her testimony, Chenery denied any knowledge of fraudulent activities or deceitful intentions within TQ Tickets Ltd. She emphasized that she did not believe the company was perpetrating a fraud. The trial previously heard that the firm utilized various identities to acquire tickets for popular artists such as Ed Sheeran and Little Mix over a two-year period.

The prosecution stated that TQ Tickets Ltd purchased 47,000 tickets using 127 names and 187 different email addresses during their operation. This resulted in fans facing entry denials at venues or discovering that their tickets were valid for lower-grade seating sections than expected.

Chenery mentioned that she is now divorced from Paul Douglas and has no communication with him. The trial proceedings continue as more details emerge regarding the dealings between the ticketing firm and Ticketmaster. Stay updated on East of England news and developments.