A couple forced to cancel their wedding after their $23,685 deposit was stolen have won a Disputes Tribunal case against the venue, which had accused them of involvement in the burglary and demanded a second payment.
The tribunal ruled the venue breached its contract by insisting on another deposit despite having no evidence of the couple’s involvement, noting the pair were “effectively forced to cancel” their wedding.
The burglar has since been caught and is awaiting sentencing, while the venue owner—who missed the hearing—was ordered to refund the deposit plus $500 interest.
