Man accused of simulating robbery

A man who went to the police to report a hold-up, telling them he had gone to the market to buy groceries after the robbery, raised police suspicions and was yesterday charged with simulating an offence, a court heard yesterday.

Anthony Gauci, 54, told police he was stopped by two men on his way to the market and robbed of Lm402. He then went to the market before going to the police, Inspector Christopher Pullicino said, explaining why he suspected something was not quite right.

Inspector Pullicino took the witness stand before Magistrate Giovanni Grixti at the arraignment of Gauci of Xemxija.

Gauci was also charged with committing perjury at the Naxxar police station on Wednesday at about 10 a.m. and relapsing.

Inspector Pullicino yesterday explained how he learnt of the report filed by Gauci, who told police he was robbed by two men on a motorbike while he was driving in Bahar ic-Caghaq.

He immediately went on the scene of the crime and then on to the Naxxar police station where he spoke to Gauci who insisted he had been robbed, released a statement and confirmed it on oath.

The inspector said he later told Gauci he thought there was something strange about the whole thing and Gauci eventually admitted he had made everything up because he had financial problems.

The case was put off to Thursday for judgment.

Meanwhile, Gauci was granted bail against a personal guarantee of Lm500.

Police Inspectors Pullicino and Simon Galea prosecuted.

Dr Joseph R. Pace appeared for Gauci.