A Żurrieq jeweller who was brutally attacked and left for dead during a robbery in August 2023 has died, nearly 19 months after the incident that left him with severe brain damage.
Joseph Carabott, 67, a husband and father, never regained consciousness following the violent assault. He passed away this week, with his family by his side.
His nephew, Keith Carabott, confirmed the news in a heartfelt social media tribute on Saturday morning. “Uncle, you are now resting after the year and six months of misery they caused you,” he wrote. “They left you in a bed with no strength and no words, we will never forget.”
Carabott was found by his children inside his jewellery shop, lying in a pool of blood with his hands tied. The family raised the alarm after he failed to show up to play tennis with his wife, something he did regularly. His son later described the state they found him in as “worse than being dead.”
The robbery shocked the local community and triggered an intensive police investigation. Three individuals were eventually arrested and charged in connection with the attack. One of them, a woman, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 28 years in prison. In court testimony, she revealed how the jeweller had been savagely beaten when he tried to resist — kicked in the ribs and head until he lost consciousness.
The remaining two accused are pleading not guilty, and legal proceedings against them are ongoing.
Carabott’s death is expected to further impact the ongoing case, possibly leading to updated charges for those still facing trial. The incident has reignited public calls for harsher penalties for violent crimes and better protection for small business owners.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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