Three return stolen cash

Three Sicilian thieves who stole €600 from a woman as she lay on the floor after fainting were given suspended jail terms yesterday.

The incident happened last Wednesday at Portomaso Casino when the victim felt unwell and collapsed. The three men went to her aid and robbed her of her purse. The incident was caught on CCTV.

Giacomo Sconzo, 57, his brother Salvatore, 48, and their friend Gregorio D’Urso, 43, on Monday pleaded guilty and told Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit that they could pay back the money they had stolen.

A policeman escorted Salvatore Sconzo to the Bank of Valletta cash machine in Republic Street, Valletta to withdraw the money using his visa credit card but failed. The court gave them one day to pay, which they did during yesterday’s sitting.

The magistrate handed down a seven-month jail term suspended for two years.

Police Inspector Michael Mallia and Antoine Cilia prosecuted.

Lawyer Noel Bartolo appeared for the accused. Lawyer Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the victim.