Man apologises for drunken theft

A Latvian man who stole 40 greeting cards from a stationer and about €116 worth of alcohol and food from a hotel during a drunken spree was conditionally discharged for three years.

Jurijs Lukjanovs, 28, admitted to stealing the items from the Suncrest Hotel in Qawra on Tuesday.

Police Inspector Gabriel Micallef explained that Mr Lukjanovs, who was here on holiday, was drunk when he stole the cards, worth about €55, from a stationer in the hotel. He also consumed food and alcohol from the hotel bar without paying.

He was caught on the hotel’s security cameras and when security officers approached him, Mr Lukjanovs became aggressive. The police were called in and Mr Lukjanovs tried to headbutt an officer, Mr Micallef said.

Defence counsel Renzo Porsella Flores saidhis client apologised “wholeheartedly” for his actions, adding that, although not a justification, the man was drunk at the time.

Mr Lukjanovs returned the stolen cards and was willing to pay for 18 that had been damaged, Dr Porsella Flores said. He also promised to settle the bill for food and alcohol.

Magistrate Neville Camilleri presided overthe case.