Duo charged with Sliema snatch and grab on 80-year-old woman
Man grabbed woman's bag then fled in car driven by his partner-in-crime, court told
A man and woman have landed in court accused of snatching an elderly woman’s handbag in Sliema days after Christmas.
Darren D’Amato, 41 and from Zurrieq and Graziella Francalanza, 44 and from Sliema, are alleged to have mugged the 80-year-old woman on the afternoon of December 28.
They pleaded not guilty to criminal charges when they were arraigned on Saturday.
Inspector Lydon Zammit told the court that the victim had filed a report at the Sliema police station, telling officers a man had snatched her bag and then escaped in a car waiting for him nearby.
Her bag contained cash, a mobile phone and other personal belongings.
Officers quickly narrowed their investigation after seeing CCTV footage from the area. D’Amato, who is known to the police and also stands accused of breaching a probation order, was clearly identifiable from the footage. The car’s number plate, which was also visible, was also linked to him.
The inspector said the car driver’s top was a perfect match for one Francalanza was seen wearing when she signed a bail book at the Sliema police station 15 minutes before the crime.
Francalanza is also known to the police and known to frequent D’Amato. She also stands accused of breaching bail terms imposed on her in two separate cases.
Neither of the two accused requested bail and they were remanded in custody.
Attorney general lawyer Manuel Grech and police inspectors Lydon Zammit, Keith Rizzo and Ian Azzopardi prosecuted.
Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the accused.
The court was presided over by Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi.