A 21-year-old man was yesterday jailed for four-and-a-half years after he admitted to a long string of thefts and attempted burglaries.

The man, who cannot be named by court order because he is assisting the police in other investigations, admitted to 17 thefts and four attempted burglaries in July and August.

The court heard how the items taken included laptops, cash and electronic equipment.

In handing down judgment, Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera said the accused had a drug addiction problem but the court could not give the impression that drug addicts could be excused for the crimes they committed.

She therefore jailed him for two-and-a -half years and added on a two-year jail term which had been suspended in 2005.

The magistrate also recommended that the accused be helped to start and successfully conclude a drug rehabilitation programme.

Police Inspector Raymond Cassar prosecuted.