A young man who stole €950 from car wash machines at a Fgura fuel station was placed under a probation order after pleading guilty.

In handing down judgment, Magistrate Charmaine Galea took into consideration the fact that the man returned the stolen money and fully cooperated with the police.

Patrick Pullicino, 21, from Xgħajra was accused of breaking open the pay machines while wearing a balaclava on Sunday night.

Police inspector Spiridione Zammit said Mr Pullicino cooperated and even handed over the clothes and balaclava he was wearing on the night.

Magistrate Galea placed Mr Pullicino on a probation order for three years and explained to him that he faced a potential four-year prison term.

“The court is willing to give you a chance… the probation officer is there to guide you and you must obey any instructions she will give you,” Magistrate Galea told the accused.

She warned him not to commit another crime in the next three years or he would have to go straight to jail. “It is in your interest to be good for the rest of your life.”

Mr Pullicino was represented by lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri.