Thief apologises to former minister
An Indian man who had admitted to stealing an engagement ring belonging to former minister Wistin Abela, today apologised to wheelchair-bound Mr Abela outside a court room as he held him by the hand.
Pillai Sivasankara, who is resident in Msida, had been remanded in custody after he was accused of stealing the ring, worth €2,329.
He had pulled the ring off Mr Abela, 79, at Our Lady of Sorrows Street in Zejtun. He also tried to steal his watch. Initially he pleaded not guilty.
When the case continued this morning, Owen Bonnici, who is representing Mr Abela, said his client was ready to forgive but he wanted his engagement ring back.
The prosecution said that a search for the ring had been carried out but it could not be found.
Dr Bonnici then suggested that should the ring not be found, his client should be paid compensation for it to be re-made.
The magistrate said he would allow a month for the ring to be found and judgement would be handed down after this period.
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Jimmy Magro
Dec 5th 2012, 13:09
Can the Commissioner of Police explain under what conditions is Mr. Pillai Sivasankara staying in Malta. As far as I know foreigners can only stay in Malta for a period of three months. In my opinion Malta has become the prositute of the MED accepting all entrants at MIA without any border control; the important thing is that MIA boasts on the number of passengers that go through the open gate.
Joe Morana
Dec 5th 2012, 13:31
The thief should serve time in prison and then be deported. This act of thievery was perpetrated on a defenseless person. In certain countries, the hand is separated from its limb prior to deportation!
Joseph N. Attard
Dec 5th 2012, 11:57
Perhaps it is time to introduce some rules: All dealers in precious metals and gems to be obliged by law to photograph all items bought, along with full details of seller's ID. Today's cheap digital cameras make this a simple procedure. Heavy fines, including closing of business, for defaulters. Reduction of sentences for thieves who give full details of buyers of stolen goods.
gaetano attard
Dec 5th 2012, 12:10
i agree 100 %.
g.attard.
O Galea
Dec 5th 2012, 12:25
excellent idea if implemented.
John Grima
Dec 5th 2012, 17:39
better still all purchases to be paid by bank transfer order. No cash deals and records to be kept and dealers will be held responsible and liable should they fail. Maybe a minimum fine of about 2000 euros will be a good incentive for good record keeping
Anthony Paul Naudi
Dec 5th 2012, 11:20
Huwa tajjeb u sew li tahfer imma l-gustizzja trid tiehu l-kors tahha ukoll.
A.P.Naudi
Evarist Saliba
Dec 5th 2012, 11:18
What is not clear from this report is whether the ring was traced after the thief was caught. If so, and the ring was taken from him, then someone else must be held responsible for its disappearance now.
Please choose the reason of your report below: