Court chastises police for 'total neglect of duties' in theft case

A landlord found guilty of stealing electricity from a hair salon rented out to his tenants was given a suspended sentence in a case where the court criticised the “total neglect of duties” by the police. 

Suspected foul play by Francis Vassallo, a 67-year-old Għaxaq resident, was first flagged by the woman who ran a hairdressing salon inside the premises undernearth the accused’s home.

Years ago, before the hairdresser and her husband had first rented the place, the room had been used as a garage where Vassallo kept his rabbits.

At the start of the lease, the couple paid the landlord some Lm2,300 for the installation of water and electricity, tile laying and paintwork to convert the garage into commercial premises.

When the couple moved in as lessees, the place was first used as a fishmonger’s shop but was later converted into a hair salon run by Vassallo's wife.

On March 9, 2020, the woman switched off and unplugged all appliances before closing shop shortly before the COVID-19 lockdown. 

Suspicious electricity consumption

But when she returned to the premises some three weeks later to check that all was well, she immediately sensed something suspicious. 

The flashing light on...