A local man who broke into a restaurant in Ocean Village has been jailed for two months following an investigation by the Royal Gibraltar Police.

Riyen Lea, 37, of the Varyl Begg Estate, was sentenced at the Magistrates’ Court yesterday after pleading guilty to a charge of burglary.

The court heard that at around 3:30am on Monday 28 October 2024, Lea used a crow bar to force entry to the rear of the Bridge Bar and Grill Restaurant.

Once inside, he attempted to use a crowbar to forcefully open a fruit machine and cash register – but failed to open either of them – causing several hundred pounds worth of damage in the process.

He then stole a fake gold ring, which was left under the cash register, before leaving the premises.

At around 5pm that same day, staff opening up the businesses realised they had been broken into and contacted the Royal Gibraltar Police. 

Scene of Crime officers were deployed to conduct a forensic analysis. CCTV enquiries were also conducted in the area, which enabled Response Team officers to identify Lea as the suspect.

At around 2.15am on Thursday 31 October 2024, officers arrested Lea on suspicion of Burglary at an address on Flat Bastion Road. A few hours later he was charged to appear before the Magistrates’ Court.