A man with a history of theft this morning pleaded guilty to having stolen more than €5,000 worth of perfume and other products from two retail outlets. He was remanded in custody pending the outcome of a pre-sentencing report.

Bjorn Borg, 34, currently residing in social housing in Senglea, informed the court that since he was unemployed he could not afford to pay for legal assistance. He was thus provided with legal aid. 

Magistrate Neville Camilleri, heard how Mr Borg had on December 12, 2016 at around 9.30am stolen various perfumery items from a shop inside the Arrivals Lounge at Malta International Airport.

They has a total retail value of €5,169.27.

The second instance of shoplifting took place on March 20 at around 4pm when Mr Borg stole body lotion from a store in Naxxar.

The accused admitted to the charges after being given time to reconsider his plea.

The court rejected a request for the accused's release from custody since it was not satisfied of the man's trustworthiness. The court noted the nature of the offence, the circumstances of the case and the tarnished criminal record sheet of the accused.

The court upheld a request by the defence for a pre-sentencing report prior to the delivery of the final judgment and referred the matter to the Probation and Parole Office.

At the end of the sitting, Mr Borg wearing shabby trousers, a grimy sweater and sport shoes, meekly asked the magistrate whether he could turn up for his court hearings without formal wear. "I have no-one out there," the man explained. The magistrate reassured Mr Borg that the court presided by him would tolerate the accused even if the latter turned up without a suit and tie.

Inspector Silvio Magro prosecuted.

Lawyer Christopher Chircop was legal aid.