Jailed a day after being caught red handed

Jeffrey Busuttil, 35 of Mqabba was today jailed for four years after he admitted to stealing a safe containing €2,000 in cash and €62,000 in cheques yesterday.

The theft took place at 2 a,m, yesterday from Bartoli Brothers Ltd at Handaq Industrial Zone.

He also admitted stealing a Nissan van which belonged to the same company and breaching bail conditions.

Police Inspector Keith Arnoud said the accused was a relapser but had cooperated with the police after having been arrested.

Defence lawyer Renzo Porsella Flores said the amount that was stolen was not large and all items had been returned. The accused had also admitted at an early stage.

The police said yesterday that a patrol had found a safe containing €64,000 in cash and cheques. The safe had been stolen and was found in a van. A man was arrested but another escaped.