Man admits stealing copper wire

A 29-year-old man was yesterday charged with stealing Lm4,200 worth of copper wire from a cable factory.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani heard Paul Camilleri, of Fgura, admit to stealing from SM Cables in Zejtun on three separate occasions and trying to steal on a fourth occasion between August 14 and September 1.

He also admitted to causing damage at the factory.

Police Inspector Daniel Zammit told the magistrate that Mr Camilleri had released a statement in which he said that he was with another man when they broke into the factory and stole the wire. Mr Camilleri was sorry for his actions and helped police with their investigations, the inspector added.

The magistrate also heard how the stolen wire had not yet been recovered by the police. For this reason she put off the case for a few weeks for judgment so that she would he able to determine whether the cables were returned to the factory owner or whether he was compensated for his loss.

Police Inspectors Zammit and Carmelo Magri prosecuted.

Lawyer Patrick Valentino represented Mr Camilleri.