Woman denied bail over theft from home goods outlet

A woman pleaded not guilty to stealing household items from a home goods outlet in Sliema on Thursday.

The accused, a 50-year-old woman, was charged with the simple theft of items, including cutlery and a blower, amounting to around €33. She was also charged with breaching bail conditions imposed in a separate case dating back to 2021.

The prosecution explained that CCTV footage showed a person taking items from the shelves and leaving the premises without paying.

Police later attempted to trace the woman at her residence, but found that she was unwell. She was subsequently given an appointment to report to the police station, where she was arrested yesterday. The legality of the arrest was not contested by the defence. 

At an early stage of the proceedings, defence lawyers Matthew Xuereb and Yanika Barbara Sant requested a ban on the publication of the accused’s name, arguing that she has children and that publicity would have serious repercussions on minors. The defence also told the court that the woman is vulnerable and requires psychological support.

The prosecution raised no objection, and the court granted the request. 

In submissions on bail, the prosecution objected, arguing that the accused had a history of breaching bail conditions and that there was a real risk she would continue offending if released. The defence countered that the case involved the theft of basic items and that imprisonment would serve no useful purpose. They stressed that the woman is unemployed, has four children, and relies heavily on her mother, particularly as her daughter has recently given birth. 

The defence further told the court that the accused had been given a treatment order in April last year due to serious drug-related issues, which she had fully complied with. They argued that she is now sober and free from addiction, and that she requires rehabilitation and psychiatric support rather than incarceration. It was also noted that the accused had voluntarily reported to the police as soon as she was summoned. 

As an alternative to detention, the defence proposed the imposition of strict bail conditions, including a restraining order preventing the accused from entering the outlet, to allay any concerns about reoffending or witness tampering. 

After hearing submissions, the court denied the request for bail, noting the accused’s previous breaches, and ordered that she remain in custody until the next sitting.  

Magistrate Nadine Helena Vella presided over the sitting. Defence lawyers Matthew Xuereb and Yanika Barbara Sant represented the accused. Inspector Elton Buckingham prosecuted.