Updated: 10 Gozo Channel employees stole thousands of euros from cafeterias

Ten Gozo Channel cafeteria workers were this afternoon charged with stealing thousands of euros in cash from the tills between 2007 and earlier this month, when they were caught. James Joseph Muscat, 35, of Xaghra, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €4,000.  The other nine, who pleaded guilty, were placed on probation for three years and ordered to pay the money back once the amount stolen is established. They are Paul Said, 55, of Qala; Anthony Mercieca, 47, of Xewkija; Alexander Cini, 40,  of Żebbuġ; Joseph Azzopardi, 35, of Għajnsielem; Herman Mifsud, 35, of Għajnsielem; Lee-Anne Portelli, 34, of Victoria; Sara Buttigieg, 32, of Sannat; Dery Joseph Gauci, 31, of Kercem; and Darren Xerri, 29, of Ghajnsielem. Ms Buttigieg was also charged with breaching the conditions of a previous release. Investigations into how much money was stolen are ongoing.