Food thieves granted bail

Two Mosta men were released on bail in separate arraignments after they were brought before magistrate Francesco Depasquale, charged in connection with the theft and handling of stolen foodstuffs from importer Vahlmor Borg.

Salesman Jonathan Abela, 32, was charged with theft and misappropriation, while 52-year-old George Lanzon was charged with conspiracy to commit theft and receiving stolen goods.

The two had reached an agreement whereby Abela would steal the products from his employer and sell them to Lanzon for half the price. Abela would then pocket the entire sum paid. The company had reported the thefts to the police after noting discrepancies between stock turnover and profits and CCTV footage confirmed the sales had taken place.

Lanzon’s lawyer, Veronique Dalli, requested bail for her client, pointing out that he had a clean police conduct and was a first-time offender.

The court granted the two men bail against a personal guarantee of €10,000, ordering them to sign a bail book and not to approach witnesses.

The case continues in two weeks’ time.