A WEDDING planner at a top Co Antrim hotel has pleaded not guilty to stealing money from customer wedding accounts.
Nicola Currell, of Coastguard Cottages in Glenarm, Co Antrim, is charged with committing the fraud at the prestigious Galgorm Resort and Spa outside Cullybackey near Ballymena.
Currell (39) faces 11 charges which allegedly involve transferring funds from different accounts set up by 11 couples for their wedding day at the top hotel.
She also faces a 12th charge of transferring criminal property.
The charges relate to dates between 2008 and 2011.
At her arraignment at Antrim Crown Court yesterday Ms Currell stood in the dock with her hands clasped as she confirmed her name and replied "not guilty" to all charges.
Her defence lawyer said: "This case comes down to the movement of money between various accounts in the hotel."
He said the issue was "very complicated" and will benefit from being looked at "forensically" by an accountant.
The case was adjourned until next month and Ms Currell was released on continuing bail.
Galgorm Resort and Spa is a popular wedding venue with couples across Northern Ireland.
On its website, which has a section dedicated to its ability to stage complete wedding packages, it says: "We have devised a number of packages that draw on the experience of selective and highly respected experts in their field.
"Coupling these attributes to our own unrivalled standards and facilities we are confident that our all-inclusive weddings will afford you a stress free journey to that perfect wedding day."
