Wedding Scammer Swindles Dozens Of Couples; Refuses To Sign Divorce Papers

A wedding fraudster has confessed to defrauding thousands of pounds from dozens of couples. The scammer worsened her situation as she won't sign her divorce papers filed by her husband.

Dana Twidale, 44, went missing after defrauding brides, grooms, catering companies, ex-boyfriends, and even her own spouse.

YorkshireLive said the former wedding planner went missing for two years after being convicted of scamming couples and defrauding her ex-boyfriend for more than £10,000.

After being convicted of defrauding couples out of thousands of pounds before their weddings, she pleaded guilty to 26 counts of bribery.

In the summer of 2019, allegations of her illegal conduct surfaced before she vanished without a trace.

She was seen in Tenerife and Hull, where she was staying when she was convicted of theft.

Last year, it was claimed that Nicky and Jason Thorpe of Harrogate, Leeds, were reportedly conned when Twidale went missing 24 hours before their wedding in July. Examiner Live reported the incident last year.

Mrs. Thorpe told LeedsLive that she paid Mrs. Twidale "just over £2,000 ($2,800)," but that she was heartbroken when she saw an empty marquee two days before her wedding.

Twidale, of Hull, has already confessed to more than 20 counts of theft, spanning Aug. 21, 2017, and Jul. 17, 2019.

On May 10, she appeared in Hull Magistrates' Court and pled guilty to 26 counts of theft through false representation. But Twidale got an unconditional parole.

These charges were filed after a series of stories surfaced between 2018 and 2019 alleging that she defrauded people when providing wedding planning services.

Dana Twidale pled guilty to all offenses at Hull Magistrates Court on Monday, May 10, and will be convicted on Monday, Jun. 7.

Meanwhile, Dana's estranged husband is furious because she refuses to sign their divorce papers.

Carl Twidale pleaded with her to "let [him] go" so they would no longer be linked by name.

He hasn't heard from her since she left his flat, and he's ready to start over with his new girlfriend.

Carl stated that he spoke with his solicitor and sent letters to Dana's mother, her boyfriend's house, and her flat, but he received no response.

Dana doesn't seem to be signing the divorce papers. But they have no property, children, or money between them, he told an online tabloid. Apart from the last name, Carl said there is nothing that connects them.

"Maybe she is trying to get all this done under Twidale so she can then go back to her previous names," he said.

"It's very frustrating and I don't want it to impact my future," he added.

Carl stated that Dana has caused everyone so much pain and that he would like to speak with her boyfriend to find out why she hasn't signed the paperwork.

Other men who claim to have been in a relationship with her over the last few years have contacted him, he claims.

They've been estranged for years. When Dana was first accused of fraud in 2019, he faced threats.

Carl narrated the challenging journey, saying he lived his life in the darkness with no lights.

He said he felt numb to read all the reports. Carl "could not believe" Dana has done such an act.

“She is just wicked and it’s twisted – you can’t do the things she has done. It’s one thing scamming people but preying on their vulnerabilities is just wrong," Carl said.