Kleptomaniac to be given treatment instead of jail

A Bahraini college student who stole jewellery worth over BD100,000 from her friend was spared jail after it was confirmed that she was suffering from Kleptomania. 

The 19-year-old was earlier sentenced to one year behind bars for her crime by the High Criminal Court. But a medical report confirmed that she is suffering from Kleptomania, which is a complex disorder characterized by repeated, failed attempts to stop stealing.

It is often seen in patients who are chemically dependent or who have a coexisting mood, anxiety, or eating disorder.

The High Criminal Appeals Court yesterday ordered the defendant to be kept in a medical centre to receive treatment.

The accused reportedly took advantage of her close relationship with the Gulf national victim, making a plan to empty her jewellery box, which had numerous diamond and gold jewellery.

The 19-year-old girl reportedly had so much freedom at the victim’s house that she was allowed to enter and leave without permission. Therefore she allegedly sneaked into the house on December 9 last year, while no one was inside and bagged all the jewellery in the box.

The stolen items included a Rolex watch worth BD5000, a diamond set worth BD12,000, four Cartier bracelets priced at BD4000 as well as another

set made of gold and diamond worth BD6,000, according to the victim’s statement.

The accused was arrested after police reviewed the security cameras footage.

The footage showed her disembarking a car, entering the victim’s house and leaving after a few minutes with the jewellery. Shockingly, the accused admitted to selling some of the expensive sets to local jewellery shops for BD200 and BD255 and BD730.

Court files indicated that the accused wanted to recover the stolen items to avoid trial, but the shops told her that they were fused and cannot be returned. The case was also referred to the Civil Court to decide the amount of compensation to the victim.