Woman in the Midlands in court accused of selling counterfeit shoes, handbags and watches

A 52-year-old woman accused of selling counterfeit goods will return before Longford District Court in March to hear how the Director of Public Prosecution wishes to proceed with the charges against her.

Judge Bernadette Owens refused to accept jurisdiction of the prosecution of Noreen Stokes of 2 Auburn Park, Edgeworthstown, Longford.

The defendant is charged with selling imitation goods between January 1, 2019 and November 15, 2020 at 2 Auburn Park, Bracklin Road, Edgeworthstown. The list of goods include Burberry handbags, Christian Dior shoes and handbag, Hugo Boss shoes, 11 Rolex Watches, Tommy Hilfiger shoes and handbags, Ben Sherman belts, Gucci shoes and belts, Louboutin Shoes and Loui Vitton bags, shoes, belts, and handbags.

Sergeant Mark Mahon expressed his shock at the retail price of the genuine articles: “I nearly fell out of my standing,” he told Judge Owens.

Garda Paudie McConnell brought a black bin bag containing samples of the confiscated items to the court. The officer said there were a total of 163 items covered in the nine charge sheets.

Sergeant Mahon said if the items retailed at an average of €30 per piece the total value of the haul was in the region of €4,800.

Garda McConnell took to the witness box and outlined details of the items in the possession of the Gardaí. There were 60 handbags, 70 pairs of shoes, 11 Rolex watches and designer jeans and other items of clothing.

The court was told the Director of Public Prosecutions was directing that the matter be dealt with in the District Court. Judge Owens asked how the prosecution knew the items were for sale.

Garda McConnell said all the items in the possession of the Gardai were in good condition and not used. Sergeant Mahon said the State are relying on the quantity of the goods seized and their condition to indicate that they were not for Ms Stokes own use.

“There was no sign of use on any of the items. We also seized a notebook with entries indicating orders for particular items,” Sgt Mahon. Judge Owens described the prosecution as “not a minor matter” and refused jurisdiction.

The judge then adjourned the matter to March 7 for DPP directions. A parallel police property application in respect of the impounded items will also follow to that date.