Couple who worked at top restaurant sentenced for fraud

A woman who defrauded The Hardwick restaurant in Abergavenny and hid some of the money in her husband’s account has been sentenced along with her husband at Cardiff Crown Court.

Nicola Nightingale, 47, worked at chef Stephen Terry’s restaurant as an administrator paying invoices and employees, however, it was discovered she had created false transactions paying money to herself and husband.

At an earlier hearing, Nicola Nightingale pleaded guilty to fraud in the sum of £150,234.63.  

Her husband, Simon Nightingale, 50, who also worked at the restaurant, denied acquiring criminal property which related to £46,741.57 that had been paid into his account, but was convicted by a jury after they had heard all the evidence.

Millie Davies of the CPS said: “Nicola Nightingale took advantage of her position of trust within the business and used the opportunity for her own gain.

“The CPS presented evidence showing there had been 55 transactions to Simon Nightingale’s account.

“Instead of the money going towards legitimate business costs it ended up lining the pockets of two dishonest employees who have today been brought to justice.”

Nicola Nightingale was sentenced to two years imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered her to carry out 100 hours unpaid work and complete 12 days of rehabilitation activity. 

Simon Nightingale was sentenced to two years imprisonment suspended for two years and was ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work.