Jewellery thief prosecuted

A case against a care worker, accused of stealing diamonds, jewellery and money from the vulnerable elderly patients in his care, began on Tuesday at Munich's district court

The prosecution accused the 30-year-old man of 22 different cases of theft from the elderly people entrusted to him. The man worked from 2008 to 2010 as a helper in a retirement home and then later as an employee of the ambulance service in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It is claimed that during this time he stole diamonds, jewellerry and money, the value of which amounting to somewhere in the region of 136,000 euros.

At the beginning of the trial, the man admitted to several of the allegations. He told the judge how he had several mobile telephone and internet contracts, with debts of 20,000 euros. In the retirement home he was entrusted with a universal key, allowing him access to all the residents' rooms. During his service at the home, three incidents of theft were filed; money and a gold necklace were reported missing.

Whilst with the ambulance service, the accused was in a position of trust. Here, he also held a universal key and the prosecution claims he abused his position of trust in order to take money and other valuables.

The lion's share of his haul came from a wealthy,elderly lady living in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. From the safe and cupboards in her bedroom and study he took gold and diamond jewellery worth in 100,000 euros in total, including a bracelet studded with sapphires and emeralds worth around 6,300 euros.