Two brothers yesterday admitted theft charges and were sentenced by Magistrate Anthony Vella.
Lee Demanuele, 30 and his brother Sonny, 26 admitted three charges of theft from shops selling mobile phones. The brothers also admitted charges of stealing around Lm18,000 worth of electronic equipment.
Magistrate Vella heard that the accused had pleaded guilty to charges of theft from Phone Connections of Ta' Xbiex, and Phoneworld of Naxxar.
Lee Demanuele, of British nationality was also charged with possession of heroin in circumstances that indicated the drug was not for his exclusive use.
Magistrate Vella sentenced Sonny Demanuele to two years imprisonment, suspended for four years and fined him Lm500. Lee Demanuele was sentenced to one year's imprisonment.
The court added that Lee Demanuele was to undergo a drug rehabilitation programme while serving his prison sentence.