Suspended jail term

A 20-year-old man was given a one-year jail term suspended for three years after pleading guilty to stealing various items from a Ħamrun shop.

Luke Farrugia pleaded guilty to stealing from Bel Gusto last Saturday.

Magistrate Giovanni Vella took into consideration the fact that Mr Farrugia admitted to the charge at an early stage of the proceedings, had been previously convicted and was put under probation for the maximum period allowed by law.

The court noted that although the probation term had ended, and legally he could be treated as a first-time offender, it was felt that Mr Farrugia deserved a harsher sentence.

Police Inspector Mario Tonna prosecuted.