A British car thief who came to Malta to reform himself was this morning jailed two years suspended for four after he pleaded guilty to stealing five cars which he drove recklessly without a licence and insurance and later abandoned.

Kristofer Dene Peter Tonna of Reading, 21, was charged with damaging the stolen Ford Fiestas, speeding, disobeying police orders and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Police Inspector Fabian Fleri said that Mr Tonna, who had a disturbed childhood, has been in Malta since September where he came to start a new life.

He had even found a job and paid rent. His problem, the inspector said, was that he had no role model and committed the theft when drunk. Mr Tonna was also willing to pay for the damage caused.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani warned the man that unless he could control his drinking, he should not drink.

She fined Mr Tonna €2,300 which he has to pay within six months and suspended his driving licence for a year.

He was placed under a three-year supervision order and ordered to pay the damages he caused on the cars within two years.