Man sold expensive phones for a pittance

A man was handed down a suspended sentence yesterday after stealing three mobile phones worth hundreds of euros and selling two of them for a mere €10 each.

Anthony Galea, 46, of Żejtun, pleaded guilty to stealing a Blackberry Pearl, a Sagem and a Nokia worth up to €2,330 between them and selling two of the phones for a total of €20.

The phones were stolen from the Go outlet in Valletta on Wednesday.

Standing in the dock and occasionally letting out a yawn, Mr Galea told the court he was unlucky to have been caught.

Magistrate Michael Mallia handed down a two-year jail term suspended for three years.

On hearing the judgment, Mr Galea told the magistrate: "Thank you".

Police Inspector Alfred Mallia prosecuted.

Lawyer Mark Busuttil appeared for Mr Galea.