Caught on CCTV, Romanian pleads guilty to theft from Sliema restaurant

A sobbing Silviu Pileandra, 25 from Bucharest, faced Magistrate Edwina Grima with dyed blonde hair and pleaded guilty to stealing €2,700 from Aroma Restaurant in Sliema on September 9.

Pileandra reportedly dyed his hair after his picture was posted on Facebook and passed on to the media by the restaurant owner, who claimed that the money stolen during the break-in, was money to pay the salaries to his staff.

Lawyer Roberto Montalto, who appeared for the Romanian, said that his client suffered from schizophrenia and needed medical care. He said that the accused' brother has been living in Malta for the past four years, and was willing to take him in.

Pileandru is also promising to repay the money stolen - including an additional €232.94 stolen on September 10 from Swish boutique in Bisazza Street, Sliema - within 30 days.

Montalto explained that Pileandru's brother, who works as a plasterer, was doing all he could to raise the money to pay the injured parties and avoid having him be sent to prison.

While the case has been put off for judgment on October 3, the Romanian was remanded in custody.