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Accused N.L. thief offers police an iron-clad alibi: He was in jail at the time

Apr 20, 2017 | 9:30 AM

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — An alleged purse thief had the perfect alibi: He was securely locked up in the local jail.

Now, a St. John’s, N.L., woman is facing mischief charges for accusing the man of robbing her.

Investigators say that in mid February a 49-year-old woman called the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and reported a man she knew had grabbed her purse, which contained prescription drugs.

However, police say an investigation determined the man was in Her Majesty’s Penitentiary at the time.