Homeless man jailed for string of church thefts

A 39-year-old homeless man who confessed to committing 21 thefts from 13 churches around Malta and Gozo in a span of 19 months was yesterday jailed for 30 months. Steven Zahra had admitted to stealing from churches of various denominations between June...

A 39-year-old homeless man who confessed to committing 21 thefts from 13 churches around Malta and Gozo in a span of 19 months was yesterday jailed for 30 months.

Steven Zahra had admitted to stealing from churches of various denominations between June 2006 and February this year.

He also pleaded guilty to stealing two laptops, a pair of two-way radios, a handbag and a projector. Before handing down judgment, Magistrate Giovanni Grixti took into consideration Mr Zahra's admission and his request to be referred to a drug rehabilitation programme as he is suffering from addiction.

Magistrate Grixti recommended to the director of prisons that Mr Zahra should follow a rehabilitation programme.

Police Inspectors Michael Mallia and Alex Grech prosecuted.

Lawyer Renzo Porsella Flores appeared as legal aid to Mr Zahra.

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