Construction worker pleads not guilty to stealing tools from band club
Tarquin Vella reported to a police station with the tools allegedly stolen in his possession
A construction worker has pleaded not guilty to stealing tools from San Leonardu band club in Ħal Kirkop.
Police inspector Doriette Cuschieri told the court that several tools amounting to €3,500 were stolen from the band club between May 26 and 28.
On Wednesday, police analysed CCTV footage and observed a van registered to Emanuel Degabriele, who told them it was being used by 34-year-old construction worker Tarquin Vella at the time of the alleged incident.
Degabriele told police that Vella had been using the van and had stolen the tools. The man then took Vella to the police station, with the latter having several of the tools reported stolen in his possession.
Cuschieri confirmed the police did not speak to Vella before he was accompanied to the police station by Degabriele following a question from defence lawyer Nicholas Mifsud.
Asked if Degabriele was questioned by the police, the inspector said he was only spoken to because the van was registered to him, adding he had not made an official statement to police.
Cuschieri added that Vella had chosen not to reply when asked if he was alone. Mifsud suggested the driver could not be seen in the CCTV footage.
Vella was accused of aggravated theft, committing a crime during a suspended sentence and breaching a set of bail conditions imposed on him in 2023. He was also charged with recidivism.
The Kirkop man denied the charges.
Mifsud made a request for bail, conceding that while his client was not a “saint”, he requires help to overcome drug addiction. He requested that if granted bail, his client should have a specific condition ordering him to go to rehab.
“We’ve got this situation where my client voluntarily attended to the police station after he was accompanied by the same man, who told the police that it was Vella who stole the tools,” Mifsud argued.
“He needs to be given a last chance to save himself and he will not get this assistance from prison while on remand.”
Prosecutor Martina Muscat objected because with civilian witnesses yet to testify, there were concerns Vella might tamper with evidence.
After hearing the submissions, the court took into consideration that the offences were allegedly committed during the operative period of a suspended sentence and after he was granted bail.
The court remarked that the man had ample time to go to rehab and found that the request was not credible.
Bail was denied, with the court recommending prison authorities offer Galea the necessary assistance.
Magistrate Charmaine Galea presided.
AG lawyer Martina Muscat prosecuted assisted by police inspector Doriette Cuschieri.
Lawyer Nicholas Mifsud assisted the accused.