Fine converted to jail term following appeal

A fine given to a man with 35 convictions who admitting to stealing a compressor has been converted into a jail term on appeal from the Attorney General.

Paul Calleja, 55, was fined €1,164 in October last year after he admitted to stealing a compressor from the Waterfront Hotel in 2002.

The Attorney General filed an appeal against the judgment and said it was below the minimum.

Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano ruled that the magistrate’s court was incorrect to hand down a fine as punishment especially after reviewing the convicts’ criminal record.

Mr Calleja’s criminal record has 35 convictions dating from to 1966 to 2002, including a seven year prison term in 1974 for theft.

The Chief Justice said the magistrate’s court should take into consideration all the circumstances of the court including the criminal record before handing down judgement.