San Ġiljan’s 38-year-old Abigail Bugeja has denied two counts of aggravated theft after reportedly stealing items worth about €20,000 from a Gżira flat on two distinct days in March 2025.
On Wednesday, Bugeja appeared in court and was accused of stealing garments, jewellery, money, gadgets, and other personal belongings from a home at Savoy Gardens. According to prosecutors, the initial robbery took place on March 23 between 9 am and 5 pm with items worth €2,329.37. She reportedly returned on March 27 and stole more costly items including an iPad Air, jewelry, cash, and power banks.
Because they happened in a private home and the value was considerable, the crimes were handled as aggravated. CCTV pictures and fingerprint evidence helped to identify Bugeja; he was arrested on July 21. She was grilled the next day and refuted all accusations.
Nicholas Mifsud, her defence attorney, begged for bail on account of her rehabilitation attempts. He said Bugeja had not violated bail restrictions previously, last showed up in court in 2008, and had since reconnected with a probation officer, begun work with Caritas, and enrolled in a drug rehabilitation programme.
Mifsud said, “Jail is not the answer,” and warned that imprisonment could threaten her rehabilitation and family reintegration. Still, the prosecution objected to bail noting the gravity of the accusations, the high worth of stolen items, and a risk of repeating crimes. They also observed she had experienced a drug overdose only a day before her arraignment.
After reviewing submissions, the magistrate granted bail under strict conditions, citing the presumption of innocence and the importance of supporting rehabilitation efforts outside of prison.
Bugeja was placed under:
- A three-year probation order
- A supervision order
- A daily curfew
- A continued obligation to follow her drug rehabilitation programme
The court also gave the victim a protection order and cautioned Bugeja that instant incarceration would follow any violation of these restrictions.
Inspector Christine Delia is prosecuting the case for the Police Commissioner; Claire Sammut and Luigi Gulia are representing the Attorney General’s Office; Attorney Nicholas Mifsud appeared for the accused.
