Tears in court as two charged with hotel room robberies

During a search of the two suspects, a box of antique gold and silver items which was previously reported stolen was found

(File Photo)
(File Photo)

Two women from St. Paul’s Bay have been charged with the aggravated theft of jewellery from a number of hotel guests at the San Pawl Hotel.

Cab driver Maria Pia Zammit, 34, and former carer Rasha Ahmed Gado, 19, were arraigned under arrest before magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, accused of the theft, aggravated by means, place, time and value of gold and silver items belonging to a number of guests there.

The two accused were caught after police analysed CCTV footage from the hotel security cameras. On January 5, the pair had used stolen master keys to access two guest rooms and steal jewellery and electronics, Inspector Godwin Scerri told the court.

During a search of the two suspects, a box of antique gold and silver items which was previously reported stolen was found.

Gado was charged with stealing these objects in a burglary which had taken place on December 20. In addition, she was also charged with breaching two sets of bail conditions.

Both women wept bitterly throughout this morning’s sitting.

Gado pleaded not guilty to the charges. Zammit, however, admitted guilt and will be sentenced tomorrow. Bail was not granted to either accused.

Inspectors Godwin Scerri and Shawn Pawney prosecuted. Lawyer Rachel Tua appeared for Zammit, whilst lawyer Lennox Vella is defending Gado.