Designer-dress-theft accused appears in court

A young woman who was arrested at a wedding reception in connection with the theft of three designer dresses from two boutiques in Dublin city-centre appeared in court today.

The arrest came after Ali Murray, the owner of the Alila boutique on Drury Street, complained that on September 10 last a garment had been stolen from her shop, which specialises in one-off designer dresses.

Lesley Hopkins (aged 22) of Gloucester Place Upper, in Dublin 1, appeared at the Dublin District Court today.

Dressed in a black leather jacket, grey T-shirt, light blue jeans and black boots, Ms Hopkins remained silent during her brief court appearance.

Judge Ann Ryan heard that the defendant had been arrested at the Davenport Hotel, in Dublin’s city centre, on Saturday, September 12 last.

The defendant was charged with the theft of a cream Ingwa Melero dress and one petrol-blue stud dress to the value of €1,089.98, property of Ali Murray, at the Alila boutique, on September 10 last.

She also faces two further charges for stealing a silk designer dress worth €208 from Urban Outfitters on Fownes Street and possessing a trolley lined with foil for use in connection with a theft, on August 25 last.

The court was also told that the prosecution intended to use CCTV footage in the case. The prosecuting garda also confirmed to the judge that the property had been recovered.

Judge Ryan remanded Ms Hopkins, who is on bail, to appear again at Dublin District Court on October 6 next.

Legal aid was granted after the court heard the defendant was unemployed.