An individual from Nice who used an unlocked back door to access the Monaco mansion of restaurateur Flavio Briatore has been tried and sentenced by the Monaco Criminal Court, local French-language daily Monaco Matin reported on June 28.
The 40 year-old recidivist managed to grab jewellery, six watches and other objects and tried to escape carrying his loot in a child’s backpack. On his way back to the open door he was intercepted by a nanny and other domestic staff, who tried to stop him but were unsuccessful.
Shortly afterwards the thief was found hiding under a sofa in a neighbouring property.
In front of the magistrates the defendant said that he was indeed a kleptomaniac. He blamed his delinquency on being rejected by his father because of his homosexuality. He has 20 similar offences on his criminal record.
The court decided to impose a tough penalty in line with the call from the prosecution to impose a deterrent sentence. The culprit was sentenced to three years in prison, upon which he asked what will happen to his small dog.