Pair jailed for killing man for Rolex and jewellery

Ovidiu Gurita and Vasilica Bornescu were sentenced on Thursday

A man and a woman who killed a man they assaulted and left for dead after robbing him of his Rolex watch and jewellery have been jailed.

Vasilica Bornescu, a prostitute, and Ovidiu Gurita, her minder, "callously plotted" the attack on client Ricardo Maragliano, who was found in his flat in Wolverhampton by emergency crews in May 2023.

Gurita, 39, was found guilty of murder and jailed for life with a minimum of 27 years. Bornescu, 34, was found guilty of manslaughter and got 12 years at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

His Honour Judge Simon Drew KC said: "Riccardo 'Ricky' Maragliano was a much-loved father, son, brother, and friend." His death had been "devastating for his close family and friends".

Both, formerly of Hunter Street, in the city, were also sentenced to nine years for robbery, three years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and 12 months for administering a drug with intent to steal, to run concurrently.

The cause of Mr Maragliano's death remains inconclusive, but the jury was told that he had suffered a compression to his neck, West Midlands Police said.

The court heard the pair drugged him before Gurita beat him, and together they stole his "treasured" jewellery and watch.

Within days of the death, the couple, both of Hunter Street, Wolverhampton, had sold the jewellery and Rolex watch they had taken from him and bought a car, the force added.

The couple's fingerprints were found at the scene, and DNA evidence linked Bornescu.

Police checked phone records, text messages and voice notes which showed the pair talking about drugging and robbing their victim, police said.

"The teams have worked painstakingly to investigate this tragic death and bring some answers for Mr Maragliano's family," said Det Insp Ade George from the homicide unit.

"This couple callously plotted and then carried out a targeted attack on Mr Maragiano with the aim of stealing from him. And sadly this attack resulted in his death, for which both have now been held to account."