A man caught trying to steal tools from a parked car in Gżira was placed on probation and ordered to follow a drug rehabilitation programme.

Claudio Mallia, 32, of Valletta pleaded guilty to attempted theft and stealing cash from a restaurant in Pietà. He went into the restaurant after breaking the front door glass with a stone.

Police Inspector Jason Sultana informed Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona that Mr Mallia was arrested when the police were investigating a break-in reported by La Vela restaurant at the yacht marina in Pietà.

Later that day, Mr Mallia escaped from custody, only to be recaptured 15 minutes later at Manoel Island.

He pleaded guilty to the charges, which also included receiving stolen goods, relapsing and escaping from custody.

Magistrate Micallef Trigona said that the court wanted to prevent further crimes, so he placed Mr Mallia under probation for three years and ordered that he successfully complete a residential drug rehabilitation programme.

He warned him that if caught again, he would immediately be sent to prison “for a long time”.

Lawyer Joseph Ellis appeared for the accused as legal aid.

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