East Yorkshire wedding planner jailed for five years over fraud

24 couples were scammed through the “heartless’ work of Dana Twidale.

Twidale, 44, from Hull admitted to 26 counts of fraud by false representation costing her victims £60,000.

She took payments for services that was not delivered and left couples angry after losing money they had “saved and scrimped,” Hull Crown Court heard.

Twidale used the money to fund a gambling problem and a holiday to Spain. She also lied about being a victim of domestic abuse and stating that some of her close family members had died.

In a statement read out in court by Dale, Brook, prosecuting, one couple said:

“Because of Dana Twidale, I look back at my wedding day and, rather than thinking of the good things, I am constantly reminded of what she put us through.”

Mr Brook told the court: The defendant has engaged in a campaign of planned and callous frauds.''

Michele Stuart-Lofthouse, defending, said "What she recognises is that her actions have left all individuals emotionally distressed and with a loss of money.''

Judge Bury said her actions were shameful'', as he jailed her for five years.