Monday 10 October 2016

Security Boss Denies Flogging Luxury Stock On eBay

The deputy security manager of a landmark department store sold over £59,000 worth of luxury items stolen from the retailer on eBay, a court heard today.

Daniel Clarke, 35, sold expensive handbags, Armani jumpers, Chanel perfume, Mulberry wallets and keyrings, plus iPads the Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court jury was told.

When police raided his home in Alice House, Laleham Road, Staines-upon-Thames they also seized £12,000 worth of watches and three Ralph Lauren shirts.

Clarke, of Brackenbeds Close, Pelton, Chester le Street, Durham has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of fraud by selling items on eBay totalling £59,104.

He also denies three counts of handling stolen goods; two counts of theft and three counts of possessing criminal property.

Prosecutor Miss Corinne Bramwell said Clarke was employed by Bentalls department store, Kingston-upon-Thames between December, 2012 and May, 2014.

Two months before starting he opened an eBay account called ‘The Gingerbreadman’ later changed to ‘Part-time Trader’.

“Clarke sold approximately four hundred items on eBay, mostly designer goods, handbags, clothing, perfume and Apple products.

In January 2015 the store identified a “substantial volume of stock missing” and identified ‘Part-time Trader’ as selling identical goods.

“The pattern and timings of loses is clearly linked to Clarke’s eBay account.”

After he was arrested on May 6, last year the defendant claimed he bought luxury items cheaply for cash and sold them online.

“As for the watches he said he liked them,” added Miss Bramwell.

Trial continues……….. 

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