Qawra woman denies theft, driving without licence

A 46-year-old woman from Qawra has been remanded in custody on charges of theft, criminal damage and driving without a licence or insurance.

Before magistrate Ian Farrugia this morning, inspector Nicholas Vella accused Carmela Cini of stealing approximately €300 on Monday, a charge which was aggravated by means and the fact that the theft occurred during the night time. No details of how the alleged crime was committed emerged during Cini's arraignment.

The accused, who the court was told is unemployed and lives on social benefits, was also charged with operating a motor vehicle without a licence or insurance cover. Cini faced further charges of relapsing and violating the conditions of a suspended sentence she had been handed in 2014.

Cini's defence lawyer Franco Galea entered a plea of not guilty, telling the court that, if anything, it she appeared to be an accomplice or someone who strengthened the will of a principal offender. “We are not here to burden a person with all the crimes on the island. If she committed theft she must answer for the charges, but not for the entire problem of theft on the island.”

The defence requested bail, arguing that there was no risk of tampering with the evidence, which was already in the hands of the police.

The individual circumstances of every case and the risk of breaching bail conditions are what must be taken into account in deciding on bail, the lawyer submitted, arguing that it should not be withheld “just because you have a criminal record.”

“I do not see a risk that she would not abide by her bail conditions.”

The court, however, said that it was not convinced of Cini's trustworthiness and ordered that the woman be remanded in custody.