Mobile phones thief jailed for 17 months

A court jailed a 21-year-old man for 17 months after finding him guilty of stealing six mobile phones and other items from beaches around Malta in 2006.

Sylvester Cilia of Żebbuġ was found guilty of stealing three mobile phones and other items, costing €302.90, from three bags belonging to three people in Għadira Bay between August 21 and August 22 two years ago.

He was also found guilty of stealing a bag containing a mobile phone and an HSBC quikcash card on August 23, 2006 from St Thomas Bay in Marsascala and of using it to purchase €174 worth of items.

He was further found guilty of stealing another two mobile phones from Pretty Bay in Birżebbuġa the following day.

A pre-sentencing report drawn up by Mr Cilia's probation officer recommended that he be imprisoned but would be allowed to attend a rehabilitation programme so that he can kick his drug habit.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli jailed Mr Cilia for 17 months.

Police Inspector Carmelo Magri prosecuted.

Lawyers José Herrera and Veronique Dalli were defence counsel.