Pharmacy employee accused of stealing 12,000 perfume samples

A 57-year-old woman from Sliema was put under a two-year probation order after pleading guilty to excessive theft from a pharmacy she worked at.

The woman, whose name was banned from publication by court order, stole two garbage bags full of medicine, 12,000 perfume samples and other toiletries.

Defence lawyer Roberto Montalto said the woman suffered from a mental condition which had been affecting her life for long years. Flanked by her husband, the woman asked for forgiveness and pledged to return the stolen items without prejudice to the pharmacy owner's right to file for damages.

The magistrate called the husband to the bench, who in turn revealed that his wife had suffered from depression and in the past was under medical care. Duty Magistrate Carol Peralta banned the publication of the woman's name.

The court then proceeded to place the woman under a two-year probation order. A probation officer will be appointed to ensure the woman receives the needed treatment.