Relapsing criminal back behind bars

Omar Osman Omar, 35, who was born in Somalia but is living in Valletta, was jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to stealing from on board the sailing vessel ‘La Yazula’, berthed at Ta’ Xbiex.

At around midday of Tuesday 8 April, Malcom Pace, as captain of the yacht ‘La Yazula’, reported to the police that an unknown person had gained access onboard the boat and from inside stole a Sany Vaio laptop containing sensitive information, an HTC mobile phone and a Bvlgari watch. The items were stolen from the yacht's lobby.

The captain informed the police that the owner of the yacht was Husni Husni Bey. Bey, a successful entrepreneur,  was a public critic of the Gaddafi regime and had been arrested various times by the regime. I

In 2010, he acquired 80% of the Metropolis project. Original plans for the Gzira development includes three high-rise buildings of 13, 27 and 33 floors. The project includes luxury residential, commercial and leisure facilities, and an underground car park of 5000 spaces.

Onsite investigations led by inspector Sandro Millo revealed that the culprit had gained access to the boat by jumping onto the gangway which was lowered toward the quay but elevated from ground level.

Once on the gangway, the thief climbed over the boat’s tender and up a flight of steps leading to the first deck. CCTV footage provided the police with a detailed description of a man having dark complexion and wearing a white cap.

Further investigations led the police to Somali national Omar Osman Omar, currently on bail. The suspect was searched and the stolen items were found in his possession. Omar was arraigned this afternoonover charges of theft, handling stolen property, breaching bail conditions and relapsing. He pleaded guilty.

Magistrate Miriam Haym noted the accused’s guilty plea and handed him an 18-month jail term. The court also revoked Omar’s bail and called in the €10,000 personal guarantee he had pledge for his bail.

This is not the first time Osman had been jailed. In the past he was convicted of rape and numerous breaches of bail conditions. He is also undergoing procedures after allegedly assaulting a former Royal Marines cadet.

Lawyer Noel Bianco represented the accused.