The man who was yesterday pinned down by passers-by after trying to snatch a handbag from a Belgian student in Sliema has been sentenced to three years imprisonment.

Kevin Camilleri, 33 from Sliema, pleaded guilty to attempted theft, causing the victim slight injuries, to carrying a knife and to being a repeat offender.

Prosecuting officers Fabian Fleri and Frank Tabone informed the court that although he was found with a knife, he did not use it in the incident.

They noted that the accused had a string of theft convictions and that he had a major drug abuse problem.

The prosecution appealed for an effective jail term but suggested that the accused be placed on a drug rehabilitation programme. The latter appeal was also repeated by the accused's legal aid lawyer, Benjamin Valenzia.

The court handed down a three-year effective sentence and asked for him to be placed under a drug rehabilitation programme at the earliest possible.