A court today cleared jeweller George Tabone of handling stolen property.
Mr Tabone, known for the Gram brand, was accused in 2001 of buying €350,000 worth of stolen jewellery. The jewellery was stolen from Piazza Antiques Ltd in August 2011.
Piazza Antiques owner Alfred Borg had told a court that in August 2011 he received a call from the police about a theft from his shop.
One of the thieves, who was subsequently arrested and arraigned, had claimed that he had sold the goods to told Mr Tabone and told him that the items were stolen.
He also claimed that Mr Tabone would switch off the CCTV before they met in his shop.
The court said it was basing its judgement on lack of evidence. It also doubted the credibility of the main witness.
Lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha represented Mr Tabone.