Newbridge pair charged with not paying for €100 meal and stealing designer goods

Two people have appeared in court charged with a suspected cross-border thieving spree, involving designer brands including Louis Vuitton and Rolex.

A man and woman, both 21 and from Newbridge, Co Kildare, were arrested following numerous reports to the PSNI and gardai.

A police officer told Dungannon Magistrates Court she believed she could connect both to multiple charges of theft and receiving stolen property.

The pair are jointly alleged to have made off without paying for a meal costing £97 (around €109) in the Dungannon area in Co Tyrone on July 24.

Following arrest and police investigations, a host of additional matters were added.

McDonagh and Connors are jointly accused of stealing a Hugo Boss shirt valued at £49, and a Ralph Lauren shirt and jeans valued at £20 and £27 respectively.

They are also alleged to have stolen clothing valued at £229 from a River Island shop and other items totalling £40 from stores including Asda, Tesco and New Look.

Numerous charges of receiving stolen goods in Blanchardstown in Dublin were also put to the defendants, consisting of clothing taken in various locations, as well as a €750 (£665) Louis Vuitton handbag.

Finally, Connors faces one additional charge of dishonestly receiving a stolen Rolex watch.

A lawyer appearing for the Public Prosecution Service said bail was not opposed, although she stressed strict conditions would be required.

These include residing at an address approved by police and a cash surety of £1,000 in respect of each of the accused.

They would also have to report to police five times a week.

A defence barrister said that an address was being checked by police for suitability, and it was hoped this would be dealt with as swiftly as possible.

Meanwhile, the case was adjourned until August 24, with both to appear in person if bail terms had been met, or by video-link if not.