Thief slashes motorist who caught him red-handed

A thief who slashed the neck of the owner of a car he broke into was jailed for five years yesterday after he admitted to the callous crime.

Jeffrey Mallia's neck was slashed open when he caught 30-year-old Stephen Urry trying to steal the stereo from his Land Rover on February 4 last year in Paola. The court heard that the vehicle's alarm system went off when Mr Urry broke into the car, awakening the owner. Mr Mallia said that, on trying to stop Mr Urry, he was hit by a pointed instrument. Another two men rushed to give assistance and were also hurt by the knife-wielding thief.

Mr Urry admitted before Magistrate Antonio Vella to seriously injuring Mr Mallia, slightly injuring the other two men, stealing a stereo from the car, causing damage to the car and relapsing.

Police Inspector Frans Micallef prosecuted.

Lawyer Beppe Fenech Adami appeared for Mr Urry.

Lawyer Robert Abela appeared parte civile.