A man who admitted having had a drug addiction for the past 22 years yesterday pleaded guilty to breaking into 24 cars to sustain his habit.

Christopher Borg, 35, from Siġġiewi, went on a rampage on December 8, targeting cars parked at the Qormi Park and Ride, the Lidl Supermarket Qormi car park and in Triq ir-Ramlija in Siġġiewi, close to his home.

He stole items from 11 cars and smashed windows in 13 others but found nothing to steal there.

He stole less than €70 in cash from the cars, a fire extinguisher, CDs, a bracelet, a digital camera, a stereo and a TV remote control.

Inspector Carlos Cordina said the accused was caught after he was identified from CCTV footage of the two car parks as well as footage taken from a shop in Siġġiewi. The man sustained cuts to his hands, which would explain the blood found around the cars.

Mr Borg, who looks after his elderly mother, pleaded guilty to all 48 charges brought against him, including being a relapser and breaching the conditions of a previous release.

Inspector Cordina said none of the stolen items were found in his possession except for the digital camera, which will be returned to its owner. Lawyer Christopher Chircop explained that the accused had been a drug user since he was 13 years old and resorted to theft to sustain his addiction.

He said his client apologised to the victims for his actions but argued that society had failed him.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja ordered the man to be remanded in custody pending the delivery of his sentence on Friday.

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