Tattoo gives away Mellieha thief’s identity, court jails him for 12 months

A “well known” criminal, whose face made the rounds on social media after appearing in CCTV footage while burgling a house in Mellieha, was today jailed for 12 months after he pleaded guilty to burgling the villa.

Jason Scerri, 40, of Balzan also admitted to relapsing, to breaching bail conditions, and to breaching a court order.

Standing before the court, Scerri admitted to stealing €2,060 worth of gold and cash from a villa in Santa Maria Estate.

Sources explained that the accused was identified after he was caught on CCTV footage. The CCTV – which has since been published on social media – appears to have photographed the man after he had triggered a motion sensor.

The footage, as well as the photos, were subsequently passed on the police who, after noticing a distinct tattoo depicting playing cards on the burglar’s arm, arrested the accused who sports a similar tattoo.

In its submissions for sentencing, the defence underlined that the accused is currently a recovering drug addict and that he is trying his best to reform.

Notwithstanding the defence’s plea, Magistrate Francesco Depasquale insisted that the accused has a lengthy criminal record and is well known with the police.

Consequently, the accused was jailed for 12 months.

Inspectors Saviour Baldacchino and Maurice Curmi prosecuted, while Lawyer Yana Micallef Stafrace was legal aid.