Language student admits to shoplifting spree

The accused pleaded guilty to shoplifting from five shops and was conditionally discharged for 18 months

A Venezuelan woman who came to Malta to study English has admitted to shoplifting from five shops on Satuday night
A Venezuelan woman who came to Malta to study English has admitted to shoplifting from five shops on Satuday night

A Venezuelan woman who came to Malta to study English has admitted to shoplifting from five shops on Satuday night.

Krisny Valeska Sanchez Castillo, 22, was arraigned under arrest before Magistrate Francesco Depasquale this morning.

Inspector Jonathan Ransley, prosecuting, told the court that the accused had been sent to Malta to study English and had wanted to repay her mother by buying her something nice. When she saw that she couldn't afford the items, Sachez Castillo, who is leaving Malta on Saturday, had attempted to remove the magnetic tag from the items but was caught.

The woman told the court that she was aware of what she had done and was very sorry for having done it.

“I didn't think I would get in such big trouble,” the 22-year-old said. “I knew there would be trouble, but not that this much.”

Lawyer Josette Sultana, defending the woman, told the court that Sanchez Castillo had returned all of the stolen items.

The prosecution confirmed that all the items had been recovered, were now in the possession of the police and will be returned to their rightful owners.

The Venezuelan pleaded guilty to all the charges and was found guilty, having been given time to reconsider her admission. Sanchez Castillo was conditionally discharged for 18 months.

“This time I am going to give you a conditional discharge, but this is going to remain on your record,” the magistrate warned.