Floriana man granted bail for 2013 theft from pensioner

Jewellery, worth over €2,329, was stolen from the Valletta residence and the elderly owner was held against her will

A 26 year-old man from Floriana was released on bail this morning after he was arraigned before Magistrate Ian Farrugia on charges relating to aggravated theft and causing slight injury to his 76-year old victim.

The court heard Inspector Carlos Cordina accuse James Agius of breaking into a flat in St. Ursula Street, Valletta, on 19 November 2013, stealing items of jewellery worth a total of over €2,329. 

Agius was also accused of slightly injuring the flat’s 76-year old occupant, holding her against her will and with causing her to fear that violence would be used against her.

Lawyer Veronique Dalli said that the act was out of character for the accused, who works as a supermarket shelf stacker. He was prepared to repay the victim the value of the items stolen, she added.

Agius’ name had been given to the police by an accomplice, who could not be named as he was a minor at the time of commission of the offence.

The court noted the accused’s criminal record was clean, aside from a minor conviction for his part in a fight over a PlayStation game with his friend.

Agius pleaded not guilty and was granted bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a personal guarantee of €10,000. The court ordered him to sign a bail book daily.