The trial of a local woman accused of stealing her ex-boyfriend’s jewellery started at the Supreme Court this morning.

Leila Moudden pleaded not guilty to three counts of theft of various items of gold jewellery including a gold signet ring, a thick gold chain with a gold crucifix encrusted with emeralds, and two chains belonging to her sons.

Prosecutor Ricky Rhoda QC told the empaneled jury that the defendant was living with her ex-boyfriend, who had absconded from Gibraltar during a trial, and was in was Spain at the time.

When he was arrested, Moudden was asked to look after the jewellery and return it to his mother. Moudden allegedly sold the jewellery to Don Gold, however the gold chain with the crucifix was kept with a friend and was never recovered by the Royal Gibraltar Police.

The theft is alleged to have taken place between January and June in 2011, and Moudden was arrested in June the following year. When questioned by RGP officers about the jewellery, she denied all allegations.

Ricky Rhoda QC, appearing for the prosecution, said Moudden had sold the jewellery with the intention to permanently deprive her boyfriend’s family of it.

Giving live evidence in the court, Moudden’s ex-boyfriend said he often borrowed jewellery from his mother, with the guarantee of returning it to her. He said the signet ring was of sentimental value, and he would feel very bad if he were to lose it.

Moudden is being represented by Chris Pitto, assisted by Grace Lima and Cecile Gomez assists Mr Rhoda for the Crown. The trial is set to continue until tomorrow.

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