Three Sicilians posed as good Samaritans to a woman who collapsed at a casino but then stole €600 from her.
Little did they realise, however, that the whole incident had been captured on CCTV and they were yesterday hauled before a court where they admitted to the crime.
The woman felt unwell at the Portomaso Casino last Wednesday. Giacomo Sconzo, 57, his brother Salvatore and their friend Gregorio D’Urso, 43, all from Catania, purportedly went to her aid but one of them took her purse.
In the short arraignment yesterday they admitted to stealing the money.
One of the men told the court that his salary was meant to go into his account and if someone could accompany him to a cash machine he could withdraw the money and pay the victim back. He was taken to an ATM but no money was forthcoming.
The men were given until this morning to repay the woman and Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit remanded them in custody.
Police Inspector Michael Mallia and Antoine Cilia prosecuted.
Lawyer Noel Bartolo appeared for the men while lawyer Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the victim.