Cleared of theft due to insufficient evidence

A man was cleared of stealing over €2,500 worth of welding tools and mechanical equipment from two garages because no sufficient evidence linked him to the crime.

In January 2005, Malcolm Mifsud, 25, of St Julians, was accused of stealing the equipment from Dina Garage in Sliema and MSG Garage in St Julians after the police said his fingerprint was found on a cupboard in Dina Garage. The connection was made because part of the welding equipment stolen from MSG Garage had been found at the Dina Garage, the court heard.

Charles Grech, owner of Dina Garage, testified that Mr Mifsud often frequented the garage, which was also a petrol station, to borrow some tools. He also bought petrol from there regularly.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman noted that the two thefts were connected but remarked that Mr Mifsud’s fingerprint on a cupboard did not prove beyond all reasonable doubt he had committed the crimes. He was, therefore, cleared of all charges.

Police Inspector Martin Sammut prosecuted.

Lawyer Joe Giglio appeared for Mr Sammut.