Court stoush emerges over value of celebrity chef Massimo Mele’s parent’s stolen jewellery

A Hobart woman was found guilty last year of stealing gold jewellery from the parents of celebrity chef Massimo Mele. But she still hasn’t been sentenced. Find out why.

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A WOMAN who stole Italian gold jewellery from the elderly parents of celebrity chef Massimo Mele will finally discover her fate next month.

Mary Ann Walker, 50, appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Wednesday after she was found guilty last year of two counts of stealing.

It is understood Walker was engaged to provide home help for the elderly couple.

Magistrate Robert Webster is yet to sentence Walker for the October 2018 theft of two gold chains and a gold ring – but the case has been delayed thanks to a stoush emerging in court over the value of the items.

Tony Harrison, who owns For the Love of Gold in Liverpool Street, has valued the items at a combined value of $10,312.

He has described that amount as “raw prices” or “retail replacement” costs – not the actual amounts the pieces would be sold in-store, which he said would be substantially higher.

But Walker’s lawyer Craig Rainbird has disputed that value – saying the gold had been overvalued, and also questioning Mr Harrison’s credentials.

On Wednesday, Mr Harrison appeared in court to explain how he arrived at the value for the three items.

He said the first item was an 18-karat twisted yellow gold bracelet that seemed to be inset with sapphires.

Mary Ann Walker leaving the Hobart Magistrates Court. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“It’s a very valuable piece of jewellery, it appears to be of Italian origin, handmade, it’s absolutely gorgeous, it’s heavy,” Mr Harrison said.

“You’re not going to replace a bracelet like that very easily.”

He valued the piece at $4877, but said it would likely fetch a retail value between $7000 to $8000.

Mr Harrison valued an 18-karat gold men’s bracelet – a “high quality piece of Italian jewellery” – at $3625 and a simple 18-karat gold ring at $1810.

During cross-examination, Mr Rainbird questioned the values, suggesting Mr Harrison was “making some of this evidence up as you go”.

Mr Harrison rigorously denied the suggestion.

“They’re not fashion items. They’re 18-karat gold. They’re not something you can buy from Prouds jewellers,” he said.

Mr Webster said he would make a finding as to value at the next hearing.

“I need to be satisfied about what value the items are – other than sentimental value. The monetary value is relevant to sentence,” he said.

Walker will return to court on February 18.

Mary Ann Walker leaving the Hobart Magistrates Court. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

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