Tourists charged with stealing €40,000 Rolex from Sliema beach club
Three Sicilians in Malta for birthday holiday end up remanded in custody
Three tourists pleaded not guilty after they were arraigned in court over the theft of a Rolex watch and four mobile phones from a popular Sliema beach club.
25-year-old Simone Serrafino was arraigned along with brothers Michele, 26, and 23-year-old David Francesco Messineo, who were accused of aggravated theft charges.
All three men are from Sicily and were in Malta to celebrate David Francesco Messineo’s birthday.
They had to return home on July 21, however, they were in custody.
Police inspector Ian Azzopardi told the court that on July 20, the Sliema Police Station were informed by the security officers at Toyroom in Sliema that they had stopped three men who had allegedly stolen items from other people’s bags.
The police officers went on site and arrested the three men and took them in for questioning.
In court, all three men denied the charges.
Lawyer Joseph Calleja requested bail to which the prosecution objected saying that the men had no ties to Malta and were in Malta only to celebrate a birthday.
Prosecutor Manuel Grech added that the watch costs over €40,000 and there were civilian witnesses yet to testify.
Calleja countered that his clients cooperated fully with the police and replied to all the questions posed to them during the interrogation. He underlined that while they are tourists, they could continue staying at the hotel.
Moreover, all items have since been returned to their rightful owners.
The court denied bail request and remanded them in custody.
Magistrate Ann Marie Thake presided. AG lawyers Manuel Grech and Daniel Vancell prosecuted assisted by police inspector Ian Azzopardi.
Lawyer Joseph Calleja assisted the accused.