Man allegedly stole to fund wife's cancer treatment

A man who allegedly stole to fund his late wife's cancer treatment was remanded in custody but was given special permission to pick up his children from school and explain the situation before he is taken to prison.

Glen Debattisa, 52, of Sta Venera, and Matthew Portelli, 25 of San Gwann, pleaded not guilty to breaking into and stealing from seven petrol stations between September and November last year.

Both also pleaded not guilty to relapsing.

Police Inspector James Grech told Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani that Mr Debattista had been stealing to fund his wife's cancer treatment. She has since passed away.

Lawyer Jose Herrera pointed out that Mr Debattista was currently the sole carer of his four minor children, the youngest being 11.

At this point Mr Debattista asked to speak to the court and told the magistrate that besides being a market hawker, he was also a full-time carer for his children.

Magistrate Padovani said that was looking at Mr Debattista's voluminous criminal record and 34 theft related charges.

She remanded him in custody but acceded to a request from the defence to allow him to be accompanied by a plain clothes policeman to pick up his children from school before going to prison and explain the situation to them. He was also given time to make arrangements for family members to look after the children.

Mr Portelli was also remanded custody.

Ryan Debattista, 20, Mosta was also charged. He admitted to the thefts and was given a two-year jail term suspended for four years. He was also placed under a treatment order for two years to deal with his drug habit.