Wednesday, 10th June 2009 - 14:02CET

Boy accused of stealing from parents, remanded in custody

A 16-year-old boy was remanded in custody at the youth section of the prison after pleading not guilty to stealing items from his parents and grandmother to fund his heroin addiction.

Accompanied by his parents, who were crying, the boy denied stealing a DVD player, two mobile phones, a wedding ring, a playstation, €1,000 in cash a camera and a crash helmet.

He also allegedly stole €100 from his grandmother.

The parents came forward to inform the police about their son's behaviour.

Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona decided to remand the boy in custody until Monday, when the case will be heard. The parents, through their lawyer, asked for the boy to be held in custody and said they were trying every way to get their son back on track.

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Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Sunday, November 22, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

Ramon Bonett Sladden (on 12/6/09)

These parents might seem a bit cruel but they surely acted in their son's best interests. Congratulations are in order for their uncommon bravery.

L.Galea (on 10/6/09)

Congratulations to the parents because they may have saved their son's life.

Anthony Magri (on 10/6/09)

And what about the supplier of drugs. The boy should have enough courage to denounce those who have lead him to follow that track and the culprits punished severly and without pity. They are ruining youths.
Does not the youth realise that he is living an artificial life, and does not appreciate the good things in life.

J. Borg (on 10/6/09)

Amazing, brave and courageous parents. Well Done. We should have more parents like these. I'm sure they did this just for his sake. Although it must be difficult for the boy to accept what his parents did, one day he will be grateful.

Mark Galea (on 10/6/09)

This is all about responsible parenthood. Tough as it may be for parents, I believe they took the right action. As a parent myself, I really admire them, and am not surprised they were crying when they had to hand over their own child to the police. They gave him a new chance for a total reform. Well done.

LIsa farrugia (on 10/6/09)

well done parents!! be proud of yourselves jusr hope your son learns from his mistakes...alot of parents are scared to make the big step and get police involved n just sweep under the carpet ..i wish you all the best !!

Paula Attard (on 10/6/09)

oh my, heroin addict at the age of 16...shocking! can't imagine the state his poor parents are in.. but well said Mr. Barrett - they moved in the right direction because most parents find it hard to accept such a situation in the first place let alone do something about it

D Camilleri (on 10/6/09)

How sad... 16 and already on heroin!! At least the parents were wise enough. May he find all the help he needs.

G Micallef (on 10/6/09)

The parents should be commended for taking such a decision. Well done. It takes a lot of courage to take such action.

Paul Barrett (on 10/6/09)

This is a very brave and wise decision by the parents - sooooo much better than trying to cover everything up which finally ends in disaster.
There is now a reasonable chance that with the right help and firm and sustained encouragement, the boy can be brought back from the brink although alas it will be a hard struggle and a lifetime of him having to fight the addiction.