Couple Convicted for Using Charity Funds for Gambling, Rather Than Supporting Sick Child
Swiping Generosity for Gambling: The Unfortunate Saga of Ryan Debattista and Nicole Bezzina
In a kick-in-the-gut for the community of Malta, Ryan Debattista and Nicole Bezzina admitted to a cruel deception - using charity donations worth €35,000 (approximately $32,000) for fueling their gambling addiction and money laundering activities. The couple pleaded guilty, as a cloud of guilt loomed large over their heads. However, after serving their time in court, Debattista claimed he'd confessed to a crime he didn't commit, citing a "back against the wall" situation, unable to defend his innocence.
Trust Abused, Community Betrayed
The court slapped a hefty fine of €20,000 (approximately $18,300) on the mother and €30,000 (approximately $27,500) on the father. Seizing their entire immovable and movable property, the court laid down the law. The couple's heinous act involved donations collected with an unspoken promise of hope and healing for their critically ill son - the proceeds of crowdsourced love and kindness.
Scores of generous donors, from friends to fellow communities, contributed to the fundraising effort, led by local football team Floriana FC. The Malta Football Association spearheaded a campaign, donating €1 for every ticket sold in a weekend. The couple's selfish act tore a hole in the heart of this unified front of goodwill.
Proper Care, But a Price to Pay
Convicted and cash-strapped, the parents were barred from taking part in retail or online gambling. The court ordered mandatory treatment to help them conquer their gambling addiction. Placed under probation for three years, they were warned of severe consequences if they didn't mend their ways.
Despite their criminal records, the couple took excellent care of their son, providing him with the necessary care to survive and thrive. This aspect played a significant role in receiving a more lenient sentence, and so they retained custody of their child.
The court applauded the parental efforts towards their son’s recovery and reflected positively on their conduct.
Innocence Claim, Post-Verdict
In a shocking turn of events, Debattista claimed, post-trial, that the couple were innocent all along. He said they confessed to the crime to receive leniency, since they couldn't provide tangible evidence to prove their innocence. He cited a €26,000 (approx. $23,760) win from a horse race, which he'd used for additional gambling - lacking a receipt to substantiate the claim.
I was cornered. So I admitted to a crime I never did, just to avoid prison.
Numerous other documents accounting for their expenses had been of little help during the trial, which is why they had no alternative but to plead guilty.
I gambled some of that money. But not our son's money. I'd never do that.
Bezzina's clean criminal record likely contributed to their lighter sentence, in contrast to Debattista, who had previously been under probation. Although the truth remains elusive, all parties are in agreement that child neglect was never on this couple's agenda - ensuring their son's health and happiness was of top priority.
- Despite their guilty pleas, Ryan Debattista claimed post-verdict that they were innocent, asserting they confessed to the crime to receive leniency due to lack of tangible evidence.
- The Malta court ordered Debattista and Nicole Bezzina to pay hefty fines and seize their property as a part of their punishment for using charity donations for online gambling and money laundering.
- The couple's guilt-ridden deception involved donations collected for their critically ill son, with the proceeds intended for hope and healing.
- Malta's Football Association and local team Floriana FC participated in fundraising efforts, donating €1 for every ticket sold during a weekend, contributing to the total donation of €35,000.
- Post-trial, Debattista alleged that he used money from a horse race win for gambling, but lacked a receipt to prove the claim.
- The court, while acknowledging Debattista's claims, highlighted their parental efforts towards their son’s recovery and vacation of any intentions of child neglect.
