A 37-year-old man from Paola with a persistent drug problem and a will to change his ways, was granted a final chance by the court when he was placed under a probation order for three years after pleading guilty to four separate thefts involving charity funds.

Jason Gatt was arraigned today after having stolen meagre sums of money collected in charity tins placed inside four retail outlets in Fgura, Tarxien and Paola, the court was told.

The public donations were intended for the Malta Community Chest Fund and St Peter's Foundation. The string of thefts occurred between December 13 and 18.

Upon his arrest, the accused was found to be in possession of a small knife ideal for forcing locks open. The court also heard how yesterday evening at around 9pm, while being kept in custody at the Paola Police Station pending his arraignment, he managed to temporarily get away.

The man pleaded guilty and confirmed his determination to overcome his drug problem. The defence argued that given the fact that these were all simple thefts involving petty sums and since the accused was seeking all the help he could get to rid himself of his addiction, a probation order would be most appropriate.

The court, presided by magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit, was more inclined to apply a suspended prison term since this would demand a stronger commitment on the part of the accused to persevere in his rehabilitation programme.

However, the defence argued that a suspended sentence would forever cast a shadow upon the criminal record of the accused, spoiling his chances of future employment. Given his wish to reform himself, the defence persisted in arguing that the man deserved a last chance.

The court placed the accused under a probation order for three years and a treatment order for an equal period of time. Under the latter order the accused would be followed by a psychiatrist nominated by the court to assist him on the road to his recovery.

Inspector Chantelle Casha prosecuted.

Lawyer Yanika Bugeja appeared as legal aid.