CCTV footage found in missing man’s taxi

CCTV footage of a jewellery shop where stolen gold was allegedly traded was found in the car of a man who was reported missing in August.

The CCTV cameras at Gram Collections, B'Kara owned by George Tabone had been switched off 44 times in 200 days, however footage from the system was found in the car of Matthew Zahra who has been missing since 2012.

Zahra was reported missing on 15 August of last year and the police are still investigating his disappearance. The car, which he used as a Taxi, was found at Marsaxlokk. Police investigators had searched the vehicle and the CCTV footage shot at the B'Kara jewellery was discovered in the vehicle.

Police Inspector Melvyn Camilleri, told the court that George Tabone had recounted how on 13 August he told Zahra to drive him to the airport.

On their way to the airport Tabone asked the Taxi driver to keep some CCTV footage as he did not wish his wife to see it. The footage did not show any of the stolen gold. Matthew Zahra was reported missing two days later.

Police Inspector James Grech took the witness stand and explained how on 8 August 2011 a theft from a jewellery shop in Valletta was reported. He also received information that Ryan and Glen Debattista were involved in the theft. Apart from gold, the stolen items included a €30,000 solitaire ring.

Glen Debattista told the police that the stolen jewellery had been sold to the owner of Gram Collections, George Tabone at his Birkirkara outlet.

Debattista had alleged that Tabone switched off the CCTV system when buying the stolen jewellery from him.  The police examined the system's DVR and found that when the system is switched off from the mains, the date resets itself and all records were erased. In 220 days the system had been switched off 41 times.

Defence lawyer Michael Sciriha argued that it is illogical how the police can believe Glen Debattista when "they are well aware of how good a liar he is."  

The defence demanded to know if the officers had enquired about the stolen gold with other jewellers since both the accused and another employee denied the charges.

The inspector replied that checks are regularly carried out at shops that purchase gold.

Former Gram employee, Josianne Ciantar Bonnett gave evidence that the employees had strict orders from George Tabone not to buy gold without seeing the individual's ID card.

She stated that purchasing gold from customers she would make them sign a declaration. Ciantar Bonnet insisted that she had never seen Glenn Debattista in her life.

The court was hearing the evidence in the case against George Tabone charged with handling stolen property.

Tabone was arrested following the arraignment of Ryan and Glen Debattista over charges of theft. When interrogated at the Police HQ, the jeweller had denied buying stolen items and also denied ever buying anything from Glen Debattista. The interrogation had to be suspended and Tabone hospitalized due to chest pain.

Dr Michael Sciriha is appearing for the accused.

The case continues.