A couple yesterday pleaded not guilty to money laundering and financing a criminal organisation while the man was also charged with being an accomplice in the theft of €400,000 worth of gold jewellery.

Paul Spagnol, 44, and Maria Carmela Fenech, 26, both of San Ġwann, pleaded not guilty. Mr Spagnol also pleaded not guilty to relapsing.

The jewellery was stolen from a house in Sliema on June 21, 2010. Joseph Camilleri, nicknamed the Devil, 38, of Żebbuġ, last year pleaded guilty to the theft and was jailed for three years.

Police Inspector Joseph Mercieca said new evidence came to light regarding the theft, enabling the police to take further action.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani granted Ms Fenech bail against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €10,000.

Mr Spagnol was remanded in custody. The court asked the prisons director to allow Mr Spagnol to be present for his seven-year-old son’s first Holy Communion tomorrow.

Dr Franco Debono and Dr Charmaine Cherrett were defence counsel.

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