Two given a chance to change

Two men were yesterday conditionally discharged for burgling four bars.

Darren Camilleri was conditionally discharged for 18 months while a 17-year-old male, whose name cannot be published because he is a minor, was conditionally discharged for three years.

They pleaded guilty to burgling and causing damage at:

¤ Slipway Bar in Marsa to the detriment of Vincenza Demanuele on January 3, 2002,

¤ Melita Bar in Hamrun to the detriment of Anthony Camilleri on January 23, 2002,

¤ Spencer Bar in Marsa to the detriment of Raymond Baldacchino on February 4, 2002 and

¤ the Hamrun Pigeon Club to the detriment of Brian Busuttil on February 13, 2002.

Magistrate Abigail Lofaro noted that both had a clean criminal record and deserved a chance to change their ways.

She noted however that the 17-year-old male still lived at home with his mother, an elderly woman, and required the direction of a probation officer while Camilleri was regularly employed.

Police Inspector Geoffrey Azzopardi prosecuted.