Stern warning for shoplifter caught by customers

A man was twice captured on CCTV stealing portable PlayStation consoles from a computer shop but the second time it happened he was apprehended by customers when the alarm went off.

Joseph Attard, 36, was yesterday placed under probation for three years for the crimes, committed on November 19 and December 13 at Scan Computers in Iklin.

Pictures from the shop's CCTV cameras showed him slipping the equipment into a sleeveless jacket which had been slit on the inside to accommodate the items - nine consoles in all worth a total of €1889.

The second time he performed his shoplifting act, however, he was held by customers on the way out after the electronic door sensors alerted the staff.

He was also charged with relapsing but Magistrate Edwina Grima declared him not guilty of this charge since the relevant judgments were not exhibited in court.

The court heard how Mr Attard has a drug-addiction problem and needed help trying to kick the habit.

After handing down sentence the magistrate gave Mr Attard a stern warning: if he committed another crime within the next three years he would be sent to prison straight away.

Police Inspector Kevin Farrugia prosecuted.

Lawyer Stephen Tonna Lowell appeared for Mr Attard.