Man charged with stealing stash of Maltese currency

A woman yesterday told a court that around Lm8,000 (€18,635) in Maltese currency that she had been keeping in a plastic bag at home, ready to be exchange into euros, were stolen while she and her husband were at Mater Dei Hospital last January.

Michele Zerafa said her husband Paolo was having his hearing aid fitted when someone broke into their house and stole the cash that was hidden in a wardrobe.

She was testifying during the compilation of evidence against Johan Pace, a 31-year-old man charged with stealing a total of €18,635 and other items from the Zerafas' residence in Pietà on January 12. The items stolen included an ornamental pistol.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani heard the woman add that the total amount they kept at home amounted to (€25,630) Lm11,000.

Police Inspector Mario Tonna prosecuted.

Lawyers Joesph Giglio and Stephen Tonna Lowell appeared for the defendant.