Man stole from jewellery shop because he was' hungry'

A man admitted in court today that he robbed Classic Jewellers in Bisazza Street, Sliema last Tuesday, saying he did so because he was hungry.

Simon Callus, 29, of Hamrun, who is unemployed, stole €130 in cash.

Police Inspector Jason Sultana said Callus had entered the shop on Tuesday afternoon, grabbed the salesgirl and demanded €600 in cash. However, he only managed to get €130.

The man was not hooded.

The police conducted a search and arrested him a short distance away.

Mr Callus told the court that he regretted his actions. He said this was a one-off incident and he intended to pay the jeweller back.

Magistrate Anthony Vella said he heard many cases where the accused were sorry after committing a crime.

He condemned the accused to a two-year jail term suspended for four years and ordered him to refund the stolen money.