Probation for tool thieves

Two men were yesterday put on probation for three years for stealing tools from a construction site after a magistrate heard how they had "shown remorse" for their actions.

Magistrate Antonio Mizzi heard Joseph Cesare, 30, and Sinclair Camilleri, 21, of Cospicua, admit to stealing the tools and other construction material from the site, in Fgura, on January 23.

The two men were accompanied in court by Fr Mark Montebello who pointed out that this had been a one-off occasion and suggested they be punished with community service.

The magistrate also heard the prosecution confirm that the men had a clean criminal record, had cooperated with the police and were deeply sorry for their actions.

But the magistrate pointed out that he was "not convinced of the parameters of community service".

He handed down a probation order.

Police Inspector Jesmond Borg prosecuted.

Lawyer Ludvic Caruana appeared for the men.