A thief who claimed the crippling costs of cancer treatment for his wife led him to steal from petrol stations was jailed for seven years.

Glen Debattista, 54, from Santa Venera, had been charged, together with his 22-year-old son, Ryan, from Mosta, and Matthew Portelli, 27, from San Ġwann, with theft from seven petrol stations.

His son, who has a drug problem, admitted to the charges, was given a two-year jail term suspended for two years and was ordered to follow a residential rehabilitation programme.

Mr Portelli’s criminal case is still pending.

Thirty-four charges were brought against the three men, including stealing and destroying a van and stealing a pair of number plates and petrol from seven petrol stations between September and November 2011.

Police Inspector James Grech testified that Mr Debattista said he had started stealing from petrol stations as he could not afford to pay for his wife’s cancer treatment. His wife had since died.

Passing sentence, Magistrate Anthony Vella took into consideration Mr Debattista’s admission and the number of charges he faced.

In February last year, Mr Debattista admitted to stealing €330,000 worth of antique jewellery with his son and their friend, Carmel Hartley, 40, from Pjazza Antiques in South Street, Valletta in August 2011.

Mr Debattista and Mr Hartley were jailed for three years each and the youngest member of the gang got a two-year jail term, suspended for four years, and was fined €500.

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