Chef charged with stealing supplies

George Mifsud, a 35-year old chef, was granted bail after pleading not guilty to stealing supplies from Ta' Kolina Restaurant where he was employed.

Prosecuting inspector Jonathan Ransley explained that the restaurant owners noticed their kitchen supply stock was dwindling at a much faster rate than their chefs were dishing out to their patrons. After receiving the restaurant owner's complaint, the police were informed that the man behind the thefts could be one of the chefs.

Investigators searched the residence of Mifsud where large quantities of cooking supplies were found. These included 36 cans of tomato pulp, jars of curry powder, olives and pickles all in commercial sizes.

The defence counsel requested bail and asked the court to ban the publication of the accused's details. Dr Alessandro Lia argued that there was a limited number of chefs so the publication of the accused's name could have a serious negative impact on his search for employment.

The prosecution did not object to bail but claimed there was no legal basis for the ban on Mifsud's details.

Magistrate Neville Camilleri, granted bail to the accused against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €5000. However the court refused to issue the requested ban stating the reasons argued by the defence were not contemplated at law.

Inspector Jonathan Ransley prosecuted while lawyers Alessandro and Paul Lia appeared for the accused.