An unemployed 22-year-old drug addict from Mtarfa admitted in court today to a string of thefts, particularly five necklaces which he pulled off elderly people. He is yet to learn his punishment, which will be based on a pre-sentencing report which is yet to be compiled.

Jacob Rakban was charged before Magistrate Audrey Demicoli and admitted to committing a series of thefts between May 13 and June 16 of this year. In the majority of cases the victims were pensioners in Naxxar, Mosta and Qormi. He was also charged with relapsing.

The court heard that the defendant was following a pre-admission course to start a drug rehabilitation programme to address his addiction.

Mr Rakban was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €2,000.

Police inspector Joseph Mercieca prosecuted while lawyer Benjamin Valenzia was legal aid.   

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