'Fake millionaire ran Hermes bag con', jurors told

A self-described millionaire conned six people - including his own father - out of thousands of pounds by promising to buy and sell luxury designer Hermes handbags, a court has heard.

Jack Watkin, 26, is accused at Chester Crown Court of using their loans to fund his own "lavish lifestyle".

Prosecutor Matthew Kerruish-Jones told jurors: "The defendant put forward the outward façade of a glamorous and luxurious lifestyle. This, it seems, engendered trust and led a number of individuals to loan him large sums of money on the promise of either a financial return, or luxury items."

Mr Watkin, of Alderley Edge, Cheshire, denies seven counts of fraud and two counts of theft.

The court heard that Hermes bags were only sold to a select group of registered customers.

Jurors were told that because of their exclusivity, Hermes bags often attracted a re-sale value far in excess of their original price.

Mr Kerruish-Jones said Mr Watkin avoided his alleged victims and made "excuses" when they asked about their money.

Among the alleged victims was the defendant's father, Jason Watkin, who loaned his son more than £29,000 in 2019.

The court heard that while Mr Watkin Sr was not repaid, he could see from social media posts that his son was "spending lavishly on his lifestyle".

Mr Kerruish-Jones said: "For the next year or so, Mr Watkin repeatedly asked for his money back.

"He was increasingly concerned that his money had not been used to purchase a bag but had, in fact, gone to the defendant funding his lifestyle."

Jurors were also told the defendant had approached businesswoman Christine Colbert in 2020.

She resold designer bags and clothing through her shop in Prestbury called Dress Cheshire.

Mr Watkin allegedly told her his name was Jack Holding.

The prosecution said Ms Colbert loaned him a total of £91,000 between July 2021 and November 2022.

Of this, the court heard he only repaid £47,200.

Mr Watkin is also alleged to have stolen a blue Hermes bag valued at £21,000 and a Goyard bag worth £8,000 from Ms Colbert.

The court also heard that Hannah Jakes had been friends with Mr Watkin for more than 10 years.

Of the £321,800 she is said to have lent him, she was allegedly only repaid £88,300.

Mr Kerruish-Jones said Ms Jakes got in touch with Ms Colbert in 2024 after seeing an Instagram post.

The prosecution claimed it became clear that Mr Watkin had defrauded them in a similar way.

Following their discussions, Ms Jakes arranged to meet the defendant and Ms Colbert called the police, leading to his arrest.

The jury was told another complainant, Andor Farkas, worked as a barman in Harrods where Mr Watkin was a regular customer.

Mr Watkin allegedly borrowed £14,000 from Mr Farkar, who said he trusted Mr Watkin due to his assurances that he was a millionaire.

The court heard Naheem Akhtar, who gave £840 to Mr Watkin for a pair of Lora Piana shoes which he allegedly never received, said the defendant gave the perception on social media that he was a millionaire involved in the fashion industry.

It is further claimed that James Irlam, who allegedly lost £65,500, was told by Mr Watkin he had a personal relationship with the director of Hermes and was able to source handbags.

The trial continues.

Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.