Acquitted of theft charge

A 38-year-old man was yesterday acquitted after he was charged with stealing items from St Vincent De Paul residence for the elderly in June 2006.

Emmanuel Borg was originally charged with stealing government property, including food, on June 14, 2006.

Magistrate Antonio Mizzi heard security guards testify that other employees had seen Mr Borg loading food items onto his van. The guards asked the accused, who works in the main stores, what he was doing but he refused to have the van inspected.

Testifying, Mr Borg denied having taken any food, adding that the only items he had in the back of the van was a cage containing pigeons.

David Cacciattolo testified he had given the cage and the pigeons to Mr Borg.

Magistrate Mizzi noted that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence and therefore he acquitted Mr Borg.

Police Inspector Frans Micallef prosecuted.

Lawyers Anġlu Farrugia and Edward Gatt were defence counsel.