Two more butchers charged with theft of abattoir knives

Butcher brothers who work at the government-run abattoir in Marsa were yesterday charged with stealing tools and knives a day after one of their colleagues admitted to taking 22 knives from the same place.

Anthony and Mario Caruana, 29 and 33 respectively, both from Żurrieq, were arraigned separately. The younger of the two was also charged with stealing some €900 of power tools and bullets from his workplace.

The investigation began after petty cash was stolen from vending machines inside the building, which led police to Ġużeppi Farrugia, 59, from Żurrieq who admitted on Wednesday to stealing 22 knives and €25 in cash. He is awaiting judgement.

During the arraignment yesterday, Police Inspector Spiridione Zammit told Magistrate Gabriella Vella that the brothers were escorted by the police to their farm where they live with their parents.

Upon entering, the younger of the two began acting suspiciously. At the farm the police found 35 knives and stolen tools, he said. The older brother admitted to the charges of stealing the knives and handling stolen property over the last two months and was granted bail until sentencing while his brother denied the charges and was also granted bail.

Magistrate Vella ordered that they make a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €1,000 before they could be released.

Police Inspector Jurgen Vella also prosecuted.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Edward Debono appeared for the men.