Theft from vending machine lands man in jail

A man who admitted stealing some €200 by breaking open four vending machines was jailed for two years today after a court also established that he had violated a probation order and a conditional discharge.

John Grant, 27 of Birkirkara, admitted stealing from vending machines at the ETC in Hal Far, from Mosta and from ta' Kandja before being caught red handed by the police trying to break open another vending machine at Bulebel.

All the cases took place in the last week of December.

Another man, Matthew Schembri, 23 also of Birkirkara, was placed on probation for three years since he is a first-time offender.

The court recommended a drug rehabilitation programme for John Grant.