The Hardwick: Man guilty of role in ex-Michelin star chef theft

The Hardwick restaurant is run by former Michelin star chef Stephen Terry

The husband of a bookkeeper who stole £150,000 from a former Michelin star chef has been found guilty of his part in the fraud.

More than £46,000 was paid into the account of Simon Nightingale, 50, of Deal, Kent, by his wife Nicola.

He had told a jury at Cardiff Crown Court he had "no idea" he had received the money from The Hardwick restaurant in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.

But a jury has found him guilty of acquiring criminal property.

Mrs Nightingale has already pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position at Newport Magistrates Court.

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She worked as an administrator at the restaurant owned by Stephen Terry, who trained under celebrity chef Marco Pierre White.

Between February 2018 and May 2020, she transferred £150,000 into different accounts, including £46,741 to her husband's current account over 55 payments.

Sentencing will take place on 17 March.