Xaghjra man accused of Zabbar Church theft
The statue of Our Lady of Grace last Sunday.
Aaron Axisa, 27, from Xgħajra, was this evening remanded in custody after being accused in court of having stolen antique jewellery and cash from Zabbar parish Church on Saturday-Sunday night.
He pleaded not guilty to stealing six rings, two bracelets, two necklaces, and a pair of earrings amongst other items which have not yet been recovered.
The theft took place from the statue of Our Lady of Graces. The thief allegedly gained access by scaling scaffolding on the side of the church and entering through the belfry.
Mr Axisa also pleaded not guilty to damaging the church and committing a crime during the operative period of a suspended sentence.
Police Inspector Daniel Zammit said that this was a serious crime and that took place in sacred place and that given the size of Mr Axisa’s criminal record he should be remanded in custody.
Defence lawyer Charmaine Cherrett said that the courts should uphold the presumption of innocence.
Police Inspector Fabian Fleri added that there were a number of witnesses who had to testify and who knew the accused, as it resulted during the investigations.
Dr Cherrett asked the court to take into consideration that her client has already been through two residential drug rehabilitation programmes and has been seen by a number of medical professionals.
Magistrate Doreen Clarke remanded him in custody.
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A. Pulis
Nov 27th 2009, 10:14
Karl Pace.
Kieku d-deheb li hemm fil-knejjes kien tal-awtoritajiet ekklezjastici, nasal biex naqbel mieghek imma l-ebda gebla li hemm fil-knejjes mhi tal-kurja. Dawk tal-poplu. U bhalma l-poplu isiefer u jonfoq flusu kif irid, ghandu dritt, u ma jindahallu hadd, li jaghti deheb jew flus ghat-tizjin tal-knisja.
karl pace
Nov 27th 2009, 09:36
I think church priests should donate all the gold they have to people in need insteas of preaching about it. i don't think that the Mother of God is happy with having all that Gold over her, it is not what She and Jesus Christ intended. Of course i totally disagree with the person who stole it too, but at least he didn't steal some old lady who didn't have anything else.
I was disgusted to hear that the church holds all these rich worldly possessions and than tells us to give!!!!!!
Andrew Scicluna
Nov 27th 2009, 08:23
These drug sick people need to be monitiored and given help not left in the streets without doing nothing ready for trouble.
We need to take this problem more seriously and try to help these people.
I also felt offended with what has happened lukcly that they have been caught may be now a better security system will be made.
Viva L Madona tal Grazzji !!!!!
Andrew Zabbar.
Eddie Attard
Nov 27th 2009, 07:45
Church theft has increased and parish priests should introduce security measures in churches.