Għargħur church was one of the couple’s targets. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA couple of heroin addicts stole handbags from elderly women in church as their victims were receiving Holy Communion.
Alexia Magro Calleja, 33, and her partner, former soldier Baldassare Perlotti, 41, yesterday sat in the dock hand in hand as they anxiously waited for the court to deliver a verdict.
Ms Calleja broke down in tears and looked to Mr Perlotti for comfort as they were sentenced to four and two years’ imprisonment respectively, on top of an 18-month jail term they are already serving for breaching previous bail conditions.
They had been placed on probation after admitting eight thefts from beaches between July and August 2011, stealing from beach-goers in Sliema, Mellieħa and Għajn Tuffieħa.
This time they targeted churches. Their victims testified that they were shocked when, on returning to their pews, they found their bags or purses had gone missing.
The thefts took place between November 2011 and February 2012 during morning Mass.
In total the couple, who have no fixed address, were charged with stealing bags and purses from churches in Balzan, Birkirkara, Gżira, Għargħur, Ħamrun, Naxxar, Pietà, Sliema, Attard, Luqa, Żebbuġ, Burmarrad and San Ġwann.
Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit noted that despite Ms Calleja’s admission, she could not be found guilty by law of certain thefts because of her vague description and the fact that the victims did not identify her.
She was found guilty of eight thefts in all, stealing a credit card and withdrawing €300 from it, and driving without a licence and insurance. Her driving licence was also suspended for 12 months.
Mr Perlotti was found guilty of three thefts and sentenced to two years in jail.