Suspended jail term for snatching handbag

A 38-year-old man from Pietà yesterday received a suspended jail term, and another was remanded in custody after being charged with stealing a woman's handbag and dislocating her shoulder in the process.

Joseph Vella and another man, Patrick Mangion, 33, from Qormi, were accused of robbing a 71-year-old woman in Rabat last Thursday at 9.15 a.m. They were also accused of relapsing.

Before Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera, Mr Vella pleaded guilty to the charges. In view of his five previous convictions, he was sentenced to two years imprisonment, suspended for four years.

Mr Mangion pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him and was remanded in custody.

Police inspector Mario Tonna prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the defendants.