Three youngsters caught piled onto stolen motorcycle

A 22-year-old man and two teenagers were stopped by the police when all three were spotted on a motorcycle and admitted in court they had stolen both that bike and another.

Roderick Grima, 22, of Żabbar, who was driving the bike, was stopped at about 2.45 a.m. on Monday in Żejtun.

His pillion riders, a 14-year-old boy and his 16-year-old friend, managed to run away when they realised the police may be onto them for theft, a court heard yesterday. However, when the police questioned Mr Grima he told them who his accomplices were.

All three pleaded guilty to stealing two motorcycles between Saturday evening and Monday morning, damaging them and handling stolen property.

Mr Grima also admitted to stealing a third bike, which he then sold for spare parts, Police Inspector Jesmond Borg told the court.

The teenagers cannot be named because they are minors. When the court registrar asked them for their particulars, the 16-year-old said his job was painting walls and the 14-year-old said he sometimes helped his friend out.

Mr Grima said he was unemployed.

In the case of Mr Grima, Magistrate Gabriella Vella handed down a two-year jail term suspended for four and the teenagers were given an 18-month jail term suspended for two years.

All three were placed under supervision for four years.