A woman who admitted to stealing thousands of euros worth of jewellery from two stores in Valletta and Floriana has been remanded in custody until judgment is handed down on Monday.

Alexia Margo Calleja, a 40-year old who allegedly has no roof over her head and struggles with drug addiction, was arraigned on Saturday and charged with having committed the aggravated thefts which took place over the past weeks. She was further charged with relapsing.

She targeted a Valletta store in July and robbed another shop in Floriana earlier this month, a court heard. The total value of the items she stole reportedly totalled some €20,000.

The woman, in the grip of a drug addiction for the past 10 years, admitted to the thefts.

“You have a choice. You may either attempt to steal again, get caught and end up hurt or else end up dead on the streets following an overdose, unless to choose to accept help,” magistrate Joseph Mifsud warned her.

The woman was remanded in custody pending judgment.

Inspectors Daryl Borg and Alfredo Mangion prosecuted.
Lawyer Noel Cutajar was legal aid counsel.

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