A thief’s “act of generosity” in returning some of the money he had stolen was only aimed at avoiding jail, an appeal judge ruled yesterday.

As a result, Martin Pirotta’s two-year jail term was only reduced by three months, despite having been forgiven by his victim.

Mr Pirotta, 38, had stolen a safe containing €18,400 in cash, as well as jewellery worth more than €1,000, from a Mosta residence in 2004.

After admitting to the theft in the first court and been found guilty of relapsing, in 2012 he filed an appeal against his jail term.

He has since returned €2,000 to the victim and his probation officer noted that he had stayed away from drugs, kept down a job and was involved in his children’s upbringing.

Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi said Mr Pirotta’s guilty plea had been filed too late to be considered early and he had breached several conditions imposed by previous courts

Lawyers Veronique Dalli and Dean Hili appeared for Mr Pirotta.