Paramedic On Trial For Stealing James Gandolfini's Watch As He Was Dying

A paramedic has been accused of stealing James Gandolfini's watch from his wrist as he lay dying.

Claudio Bevilacqua, 43, is currently on trial for allegedly taking the $3000 (around £2,060) Rolex.

Gandolfini collapsed at the Boscolo Exedra Hotel in Rome back in June 2013. A team rushed to his aid, including Bevilacqua - an ambulance stretcher-bearer at the time.

Prosecutors claim that during the chaos whilst paramedics were attempting to revive the actor, Bevilacqua took advantage and removed the Submariner watch.

Two members of the hotel's security staff noticed that the watch was missing and it was officially reported as stolen on an insurance form filed by Mr Gandolfini's family.

Gandolfini was taken to hospital, where the doctors again tried to revive him. Sadly, they were unsuccessful and he passed away.

The trial started on Monday, however he did not appear in court, so did not enter a plea. The trial was adjourned until November.

Words by Mel Ramsay

Featured image credit: PA images

Mel Ramsay

Mel Ramsay has been a Senior Journalist for Tyla and LADbible since 2015. She started her career writing obituaries and funeral guides online. Since then, her work has been published in a wide variety of national and local news sites. She is part of the BBC's Generation project and has spoken about young people, politics and mental health on television, radio and online. Contact her - [email protected]

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