Two women who stole a €400 ring from a jewellery shop got off with a probation order and a conditional discharge today.

Michelle Bugeja and Charlotte Vella, both 32 of Valletta, were accused of having stolen the ring from Solid Gold Jewellery in St Paul's Bay on June 23, 2010.

The prosecution said that they entered the shop with a third person.

Bugeja asked to see some rings and as the salesgirl produced a tray containing a number of rings, Vella asked to see some necklaces. When the salesgirl was distracted, Bugeja stole a ring and the women walked out of the shop.

When they got to their car, Bugeja  handed the ring to Vella who sold it in Valletta for €140 (the value of the gold, excluding the stone and workmanship).

The salesgirl quickly noticed that the ring was missing. She dashed out of the shop and was able to note the car number as the women drove off.

Bugeja pleaded guilty but Vella denied involvement.

The court found that while Bugeja had admitted her part, there was also no doubt that Vella was an accomplice.

In handing down judgement, the court noted Bugeja's criminal record but found that she was making efforts to rehabilitate herself, whereas Vella practically had no criminal record.

Bugeja was placed under probation for two years while Vella was given a two-year conditional discharge.

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