A woman who obtained sequinned dance-style costumes from people in the UK, under false pretences, so the costumes could be worn to weddings and other such functions, was before Ballina District Court for theft.
Inspector Joe Doherty outlined that gardaí received reports in November and December of 2010 that a ‘Samantha Collins’ had posted blogs, under the username S2010, on a reputable website www.dance.net In these blogs the woman claimed that she owned a dance production company — Dance Supreme Ireland— and was looking for dancing dresses, which were encrusted with diamonds and sequins.
Dresses had been sent from the UK, by parents who wanted to sell and trade costumes, to this woman, however not all the dresses were returned or paid for, and four dresses are still missing — each dress worth approximately £400 each.
Garda inquiries showed that this company was in fact owned by someone else and the owner had not authorised such solicitation of his company. Also, Samantha Collins was in fact Samantha Ward, 21 Dolmen View, Foxford Road, Ballina.
The home of the defendant was searched on December 6 and five dresses were recovered.
Peter Loftus, solicitor for the 19-year-old defendant, said that Ward did wear some of these costumes to functions. Ward told the court that her aunt, who is in the UK, told her to do it.
Inspector Joe Doherty said that it was an “elaborate operation” and complaints in relation to the matter are still coming through to Ballina Garda Station.
Judge Mary Devins remanded Ward on continuing bail to January 24 for sentencing on two conditions; that the prosecution have liberty to re-enter and that full compensation must be paid on, or before, the court date to the four injured parties. The judge also deferred an application for legal aid to the January court to see if the defendant could tell her solicitor where the four dresses have gone.
