Serial thief admits to committing robbery upon exiting court

Carmel Mugliett, 53 of Marsaskala, was remanded in custody awaiting judgement after pleading guilty to stealing €15,000 worth of jewellery on the last day of carnival.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli heard how on Tuesday 9 February, the accused attended court for an unconnected case. Soon after leaving court, at around 10:30, Mugliette proceeded to Pavilion Jewellers in Republic Street Valletta, from where he stole around €15,000 worth of jewellery. During the theft he also attempted to steal a number of watches.

When Mugliett was apprehended none of the stolen items were retrieved, however police found €340 in cash in his pockets.

Inspectors Jeffrey Scicluna and Daryl Borg charged Mugliett with aggravated theft, attempted theft of watches, breaching bail and relapsing. The accused has in the past been found guilty of theft, and also has other pending cases.

Mugliett pleaded guilty to the charges and was remanded in custody awaiting judgment.

Legal aid lawyer Martin Fenech appeared for the accused.