Bag thief jailed

A 32-year-old man was yesterday jailed for 18 months after he admitted to stealing a woman's bag and relapsing.

Noel Saliba, of Luqa, pleaded guilty to stealing the bag belonging to Josephine Farrugia on April 18, 2006, and relapsing.

On handing down judgment, Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera noted that Mr Saliba had been convicted on previous occasions and did not take the opportunities granted to him by the courts to change his ways.

She also noted that he was facing a jail term that ranged from five months to five years.

In the circumstances, she jailed him for 18 months.

Police Inspector Joseph Mercieca prosecuted.