Charged with string of thefts from numerous establishments

Natale Bonello, 35, Michelle Bugeja 30, Alberta Amato, 25 and a 15-year old whose named cannot be published, were arraigned before Magistrate Doreen Clarke charged with numerous counts involving robbery of cosmetics and perfume from pharmacies, cash from different establishments and jewellery from the Le Meridien hotel in St Julian's on 18 January 2011.

Bonello, Amato and the minor were charged with being recidivists while Bugeja was charged with going against the conditions of a suspended sentence.

The first three pleaded not guilty to the charges while the minor pleaded guilty.

The magistrate ordered the minor under probation for three years and to follow completely the program in view of drugs rehabilitation.

With regard to the other three accused, the defence requested bail to be granted. The prosecution argued that the string of thefts and the fact they are recidivists as well as considering the number of suspended sentences in their regard, bail should be denied. It also argued that since a number of civilians needed to testify, and they failed to show up at the Zabbar police station at 9am as required of them, they could not be considered to be trustworthy. The defence argued that these were petty crimes and there was always the presumption of innocence.

The court however denied the request for bail. Inspectors Fabian Fleri and Malcolm Bondin prosecuted.