Theft, burglary lead July serious crime charges

Property crime dominated serious non-sexual offences prosecuted in July, with theft recording the highest number of charges and three juveniles among those accused of aggravated burglary and theft.

Statistics from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) show 42 people were charged during the month, including three juveniles, while 22 victims were affected.

The ODPP recorded nine counts of theft and seven counts of aggravated burglary, followed by five counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and four counts each of aggravated robbery and acts intended to cause grievous harm.

In one case, three juveniles — two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old — were charged with aggravated burglary and theft after allegedly breaking into a flat and stealing household items.

Foreign nationals face drug charges

Serious drug offences also featured in the July statistics.

A Hungarian national was charged with importing and possessing 4.87 kilograms of methamphetamine.

In another case, a Malaysian national and two locals were charged with importing and possessing 491.6 grams of methamphetamine.

The ODPP recorded two counts of unlawful importation of illicit drugs during the month.

Murder and attempted murder

The statistics also included one count each of murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, manslaughter arising from breach of duty, arson, attempted arson, assault causing actual bodily harm and serious assault.

A 30-year-old man was charged with murder after allegedly assaulting a 36-year-old man, who later died.

Three men were charged with the attempted murder of a police officer at a Laqere roadblock. Charges against two of the men were later discontinued.

In another case, a 30-year-old man was charged with manslaughter following an alleged fatal assault.

A 58-year-old bus driver was charged with manslaughter arising from breach of duty following a fatal incident involving a passenger in 2022.

A 47-year-old caretaker was charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to her employer’s house following a wage dispute.

Five domestic cases

The ODPP also recorded five domestic violence-related cases.

These included attempted arson involving a de facto partner’s home, assault causing actual bodily harm involving a wife, and two separate cases involving acts intended to cause grievous harm against relatives.