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Ticketmaster knew Norfolk touting firm was reselling, trial told

Reuters Musician Ed Sheeran with a guitarReuters
Fraudulent tickets for singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran were among those being sold, prosecutors say

The firm Ticketmaster was "well aware" that a touting company was re-selling via secondary ticketing websites, a woman accused of fraudulent trading has told a jury.

Lynda Chenery, 51, is on trial over her involvement in the firm TQ Tickets Ltd.

A trial has heard how the company sold more than £6.5m in tickets via secondary ticketing sites.

Chenery, of Dickleburgh, Norfolk, denies three counts of fraudulent trading.

Mark Woods, 59, of Dickleburgh, who was director of the firm but claims he was not involved in its administration, also denies the three offences.

Ms Chenery's sister Maria Chenery-Woods, who is also Mr Woods's partner, and Ms Chenery's partner Paul Douglas have already admitted fraudulent trading.

'Acting dishonestly'

Giving evidence on Thursday at Leeds Crown Court, Ms Chenery explained how she did some book-keeping work for the firm.

Matthew Radstone, defending, asked her: "Ticketmaster knew what was going on in terms of purchasing tickets?"

"I have no doubt in my mind about that," she replied.

"It was clear from conversations I have had in the office and with Maria that they were definitely aware."

The defendant said she understood that Ticketmaster also owned some of the secondary ticketing sites at that time and "incentivised" her sister because she was "classed as a top seller or broker".

Mr Radstone asked her whether she thought she acted dishonestly or believed TQ Tickets Ltd was "perpetrating a fraud".

"No," she said, to both questions.

Ms Chenery told the jury she and Douglas were now divorced and not in contact.

Sarah Jeynes/BBC Girl band Little Mix outside the BBC Radio 1's Live LoungeSarah Jeynes/BBC
Leeds Crown Court was told the firm exploited the passion of music lovers like fans of girl group Little Mix

The trial previously heard the firm used multiple identities to buy tickets for artists including Ed Sheeran and Little Mix, and acted between June 2015 and December 2017.

The firm bought 47,000 tickets using 127 names and 187 different email addresses, prosecutors say.

Fans would end up being refused entry to venues or would find their tickets were valid for lower grade seating areas, the court has heard.

The trial continues.

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