Brothers admit to stealing car

Two brothers from Birzebbuga, aged 17 and 16, this morning pleaded guilty to stealing a car and going on a joy ride.

The older brother was also charged of driving without a licence and insurance and breaching conditions of a previous release.

Two social workers testified that the boys were referred to them by Appogg and the very fact that their parents did not turn up in court and the father hung up on the police when they tried to call him, was testament of the lack of care the boys were experiencing.

Legal aid lawyer Adrian Camilleri told the court that the younger brother, whose police conduct was clean, cooperated with the police.

But police inspector Priscilla Caruana said that two days before the incident she had called the brothers to the police station to give them a warning.

However, she also said she did not think a prison term was the ideal punishment.

Magistrate Giovanni Grixti remanded the boys in custody until sentencing tomorrow morning.