Woman caught stealing €20,000 worth of items in Gżira break-ins
The woman broke into the same apartment twice in the span of four days
A 38-year-old woman was granted bail after pleading not guilty to theft charges after allegedly breaking into the same Gżira apartment twice over a span of four days and stole some €20,000 worth of items.
Abigail Bugeja from St Julian’s appeared before magistrate Gabriella Vella on Wednesday afternoon where she was accused of stealing clothes and cosmetics on March 23.
Four days later she was back at the same residence and stole jewelery, cash, two powerbanks, iPad Air, and other objects.
She denied the charges.
Police inspector Christine Delia explained that the police were investigating a burglary at a Gżira apartment where they found some fingerprints. The police database found a positive match with Bugeja's.
An arrest warrant was issued and Bugeja was arrested on July 21.
Lawyer Nicholas Mifsud requested bail, noting that the charges concerned offences which were allegedly committed in March.
He explained that finally a probation officer has been assigned to his client’s case.
The defence underlined that the woman has an acute drug issue which cannot be solved by remanding her in custody. Mifsud also explained that the woman is supported by her family and is already attending appointments at Caritas together with her mother.
The lawyer suggested that the court could impose that she has to start and finish a drug rehabilitation programme as part of the bail conditions.
AG lawyer Luigi Gulia counter argued that the woman is “vulnerable” and therefore at this stage it would be better if she is remanded in custody.
The prosecution argued that given she has a serious drug problem it could be that she commits other offences. He also underlined the serious nature of the charges, saying that she allegedly stole some €20,000 during those two break ins.
After hearing the submissions, the court granted the woman bail against a €1,000 deposit and a €30,000 personal guarantee.
The court also ordered the woman to start and finish a drug rehabilitation programme until the case is decided.
A three-year treatment order was issued with the court ordering the probation officer to report on Bugeja’s progress monthly.
“The minute you make a mistake, you’ll end up in prison,” magistrate Gabriella Vella warned the accused.
“It is now in your hands,” the court said, warning the woman that her fate is in her hands on whether she ends up in prison or not.
A temporary supervision order was also imposed on the woman and a three-year protection order was issued in favour of the victim.
Magistrate Gabriella Vella presided over the arraignment.
AG lawyers Claire Sammut and Luigi Gulia prosecuted assisted by police inspector Christine Delia. Lawyer Nicholas Mifsud assisted the accused.