Jeweller is questioned over stolen diamonds

A jeweller is on police bail after being questioned about €500,000 worth of jewellery that was stolen from a Valletta outlet last August.

The man allegedly bought the jewellery, which included diamonds, from three robbers who have testified in court that they sold the stolen goods to him, sources close to the case have said.

Two weeks ago, Glen Debattista, 52, from Sta Venera and Carmel Hartley, 40, were jailed for three years each after admitting to the theft of jewellery from Pjazza Antiques Limited between August 6 and 8 last year.

Mr Debattista’s 21-year-old son, Ryan, who played a lesser role, was given a two-year jail term suspended for four years and slapped with a €500 fine.

During one of the court sittings, which was held behind closed doors, the thieves named the jeweller who they allege received the stolen goods, the sources said.

The police have interrogated him but he felt ill during questioning and was taken to hospital.

He is now on police bail but abroad, police sources said.