Young serial thief awaits his fate

A serial thief will learn his fate this morning after he admitted yesterday to stealing from 44 rooms in six hotels in a period of three months.

Mark Anthony Bennett, 21, who already has quite a criminal record, pleaded guilty to a plethora of thefts from hotels in Buġibba, St Paul’s Bay and Qawra between July and the end of September.

In 2009, he had admitted to stealing from 12 rooms at the Palm Court in Qawra (which was also targeted this time) and was given a one-year jail term. The month before he had also admitted to stealing a car and, in 2008, he confessed to petty theft and had been placed under probation for three years.

During his arraignment yesterday, Mr Bennett was charged, together with Matthew Borg, 20, of Mosta who admitted to taking part in seven of the thefts and handling stolen property. Mr Borg was given a two-year jail term suspended for two years.

Mr Bennett also admitted to handling stolen items and relapsing.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli is expected to deliver judgment this morning.

Police Inspectors Keith Arnaud and Gabriel Micallef prosecuted.

Lawyer Michael Sciriha ap-peared for Mr Borg.

Legal aid lawyer Renzo Porsella Flores appeared for Mr Bennett.