Man steals necklace from dancer in Paceville nightclub
Security performed a citizen's arrest before he could exit the club
A 21-year-old has been handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for four years, after admitting to stealing a gold choker necklace from a nightclub in Paceville.
Ismail Sbai, an Italian gardener from Swieqi, pleaded guilty to the theft of the necklace on Monday.
The theft was reported at Toy Room in Paceville, at around 2.35am on Sunday (June 14).
The victim told police that he was dancing with his friends inside the club when he noticed an individual acting suspiciously behind him.
Moments later, his gold choker necklace was snatched from his neck by the same individual.
When the victim turned around, he saw the accused running away with the necklace. He described the suspect as wearing a black shirt and having curly hair.
The necklace was valued between £1,000 and £2,000.
The victim immediately informed security personnel, who carried out a citizen’s arrest.
Sbai was located inside the Toy Room as he was attempting to leave through the club’s main entrance. Police were called in, and during a search of the accused, officers recovered the stolen gold choker necklace.
Court was told that the accused cooperated with the police and the necklace was returned to the owner.
Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo found Sbai guilty and sentenced him to two years' imprisonment, suspended for four years.
The prosecution was led by Inspector Dylan Pace together with Attorney General lawyer Marcea Fenech.
Lawyer Francois Dalli appeared for the accused.