Woman steals to buy drugs

Shirley Micallef, 34, of Valletta, pleaded not guilty to stealing from jewellery shops in Sliema and St Julian's.

Inspector Fabian Fleri told the court that on 13 August the woman, who works as a waitress, stole a ring from E Jewels in Bisazza Street, Sliema. The value of the ring was €300. The shop's CCTV system recorded the theft but the footage was not clear enough.

10 days later, on 23 August, a ring was stolen from Sterling Jewellers in St George Street, St Julian's. The value was similar to that of the ring stolen from Sliema however unlike the previous case the CCTV footage now was clear.

The prosecuting inspector stated the woman stole the rings to help sustain her drug habit. The accused was also charged with breaching a probation order and relapsing. Micallef pleaded not guilty.

Defence lawyer Veronique Dalli pleaded for bail and explained to the court how given her part-time waitress job the woman was not in a  position to make a deposit. Inspector Fabian Fleri argued he would not object to bail if the court puts strict conditions on the accused.

Magistrate Ian Farrugia granted bail to the accused against a personal guarantee of €2,000.