Recovering drug addict given another chance

Simon Borg, 25 was this afternoon condemned to a one year jail term suspended for three years after he admitted to stealing from four cars between last Saturday and Sunday in Gzira.

Defence lawyer Joe Brincat that his his client has serious drug and financial problems. He lives with his girlfriend and two children and is dependant on her salary.

The prosecution confirmed the circumstances mentioned by the defence but said the crimes which had been committed could not be ignored.

Sources said that Mr Borg's financial problems are such that the electricity supply to his flat has been cut off.

Mr Borg had followed a drug rehabilitation programme in Scotland and was drug-free for two years but then started abusing drugs once more. He went back to Scotland, but was not accepted back in the drug programme.

Magistrate Anthony Vella after taking into consideration the circumstances of the accused, imposed a one-year jail term suspended for three years.

Mr Borg told the court that he was ready to pay for the damages he had caused - including the car doors which he had forced open - as soon as he lands a job. He is currently again attempting to kick his drug habit and is being given methadone.