A jeweller who has been accused of accepting some €330,000 worth of stolen items denied all accusations in statements to the police, Inspector Joseph Mercieca said this morning.

He said that none of the stolen items were found during a search on jeweller George Tabone’s property and shops.

Insp. Mercieca told the court that following the theft of some €500,000 worth of antique jewellery from a shop in Valletta, three men were investigated and charged with the theft.

The men, Glen Debattista, 52, his son Ryan, 21, and their friend Carmel Hartley, 40, told police that they had stolen the items and then sold them to Mr Tabone, who gave them a fraction of what they were really worth.

Mr Debattista and Mr Hartley had been jailed for three years each while Mr Debattista’s son got a two-year jail term, suspended for four years, and a €500 fine.

Inspector Mercieca said that during questioning, Mr Tabone denied ever buying stolen jewellery.

The case continues.

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