A man is set to face court after being caught stealing a large painting by Kelly Batsiokis from a hospital in South Australia.
The painting of Wally the Galah was taken from the Lyell McEwin Hospital on December 28, leaving many of the hospital staff devastated.
The Advertiser shared that the man who stole the painting was seen wearing a high viz shirt and drove away in a VZ Commodore, as caught by CCTV footage.
An investigation by police was then conducted, where they searched the home of a 38-year-old man and charged him with reported theft and possession of a prohibited weapon – a baton.
The man is expected to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court at a later date, however the painting is still yet to be found.
The hospital staff have since shared their devastation at the painting going missing.
Ms Batsiokis said she was shocked by the “audacity” of the theft. The painting was said to be bolted to the wall.
“It’s not so easy as just taking it off the wall,” she said. “I have seen some footage – a male basically just walks into the hospital, unattached the painting, and walks out.
“I just don’t understand how somebody has the audacity to brazenly walk in, in broad daylight.”
Source: The Advertiser.
