March 15, 2024
RLC Associate Tenant, Jonathan Sandiford KC has prosecuted Maria Chenery-Woods, Mark Woods, Paul Douglas and Lynda Chenery from Dickleburgh, Norfolk for fraudulent trading up to the value of at least £6.5 million
The defendants were associated with a firm named TQ Tickets Ltd, and between 2015-2017, acquired and resold concert tickets valued at £6.5 million. These tickets, procured from primary sites like Ticketmaster, were later sold on secondary platforms such as Viagogo. Acts affected by this ticket touting scheme included renowned artists like Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, and Little Mix, along with live shows of Strictly Come Dancing.
Both Lynda Chenery and Mark Woods were found guilty of three counts of fraudulent trading. Maria Chenery-Woods and Paul Douglas had earlier pleaded guilty to the same three offences.
Ed Sheeran’s manager, Stuart Camp, reflecting on Ed Sheeran’s previous experiences with ticket touting, has hailed the prosecution as a significant milestone, emphasising the importance of accessible ticket prices for fans. The prosecution, he noted, marks a crucial step towards protecting music fans and establishing fair practices within the live entertainment sector.
Trading standards officials also lauded the case as a landmark moment, highlighting its potential to drive significant change in the secondary ticketing market with the Labour Party announcing its backing for a price cap on ticket resale, signaling a significant policy shift.
Sentencing will take place in May 2024.
Since 2014, Jonathan has appeared for National Trading Standards in a number of substantial prosecutions, primarily allegations of web based offending. Read more: [Jonathan Sandiford KC Profile]
Jonathan Sandiford KC was instructed by the NTS e-Crime Team hosted by the City of York.
News stories:
[BBC News]
[The Guardian]
[Daily Mail]
[Metro]
[ITV News]
Barristers
Jonathan Sandiford KC
Call: 1992 | Silk: 2020