A woman was cleared of defrauding her husband’s aunt after the court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Michelina Cilia was cleared of defrauding Josephine Cilia of more than Lm3,000 in cash and of stealing jewellery and other objects. The court heard how Michelina Cilia looked after Josephine Cilia and also looked after her bank accounts. Michelina Cilia said her husband’s aunt usually gave her money and jewellery.

The two argued one day after Michelina Cilia discovered that her husband’s aunt had given jewellery and other items to other nephews. She said she expected them to be given to her because she had looked after her for a long time.

Following this incident, the two clashed over money that Michelina Cilia said Josephine Cilia had given her, and the matter ended up in court.

Handing down his judgement, magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona said the prosecution, led by police superintendent Alexandra Mamo, had not brought sufficient evidence to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. He said the charges of theft and receiving stolen goods were completely ruled out and therefore cleared Michelina Cilia of all the charges brought against her.

Police superintendent Alexandra Mamo prosecuted and Dr Joe Giglio appeared for the defendant.