Drug addict gets longer jail term

A drug addict jailed for two-and-a-half years for trying to steal a car last January has been given an even longer prison term for the theft of a stereo the previous month.

Jurgen Xerri, 30, yesterday admitted to stealing a stereo and a pair of speakers from a car at the Marsa Sports Club on December 6 and to relapsing.

Just last January, he had been sent to prison for two and a-half years after admitting to trying to steal a car while on probation. He had admitted on arraignment that he had committed the crime to fuel his 10-year addiction to drugs.

In passing sentence, Magistrate Saviour Demicoli yesterday took into consideration the fact that Mr Xerri had cooperated with the police during their investigations. Looking at his criminal record, however, he could not help but note that Mr Xerri had not learned from past experience.

The court, therefore, ruled that a jail term was suitable and imprisoned him for a further four-and-a-half years.

Police Inspector Alexander Grech prosecuted.

Lawyer Charmaine Cherrett was defence counsel.