Guilty of theft

A man was jailed for nine months and another put under probation yesterday after a court found them guilty of stealing a cash register and €139.80 (Lm60) in Żejtun on October 19, 2005.

Mario Caruana, 26, and Joshua Fardell, 25, both from Żejtun, were found guilty of stealing a cash register and €139.80 (Lm60) in cash, handling stolen property and causing under €116.50 (Lm50) in damage to the property of David Gatt.

Mr Caruana was also found guilty of relapsing.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano took into consideration the fact that the two men had admitted to the charges, they had cooperated with the police and the items stolen had been returned to the victims.

Mr Caruana's probation officer told the court the accused had collaborated with him and kept any appointments they had agreed on.

Police Inspector Anthony Portelli prosecuted.

Mr Caruana was represented by Franco Debono and Charmaine Cherrett.

Noel Bianco appeared for Mr Fardell.