Belfast mum ‘tried to steal yacht from Italian resort’
A BELFAST mother of four has been accused of stealing a €150,000 luxury motorboat at a resort favoured by the rich and famous in Italy.
Artist Larissa Watson is said to have been spotted setting off in a Sangermani Daycruiser that belonged to a rental company in Portofino.
A quick-thinking harbour worker is reported to have become suspicious and bounded along the dock to jump on board and steer the vessel back to its mooring.
The painter, who has been dubbed the ‘Portofino Pirate’ by local media, was charged with theft after the incident on Monday, according to reports.
Captain Simone Clemente, of the Italian military police, told media: ‘Nothing like this has happened before in Portofino; it’s very unusual.’
Ms Watson, a creative director at an interior design firm, suddenly left behind her family life and fashion career in Northern Ireland before heading to Italy in February, with relatives reporting her missing weeks later.
The current whereabouts of the 50-year-old, who was bailed after appearing in court, are unknown, and she could face jail time if she fails return to court to face fraud charges. Captain Clemente was quoted in the UK Times as saying: ‘She was brought back to the quay were police were waiting.
‘Initially she refused to get off, but soon surrendered.’
Born in Canterbury, England, and raised in Belfast, Ms Watson’s Facebook and Instagram revealed she had undertaken navigation courses and was familiar with how to handle boats, according to police.
She was also charged with fraud
Left family and career behind
after allegedly refusing to pay a €150 bill at a beauty salon in the town of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Though her current whereabouts are unknown, she faces an international warrant if she fails to attend next month’s scheduled court appearance.
The artist moved to Belfast as a child before attending the University of Ulster’s School of Art and Design. She has exhibited her work in Europe, the United States and Japan.
Ms Watson will be summoned to court next month and could be jailed for three years if the case goes to trial.