A Neapolitan man, who went on a half-hour shopping spree using a credit card he claimed to have found on the ground, was handed a suspended sentence after eventually admitting to the theft.

Ciro Napolitano, a 24-year old residing at Sta Venera, was arraigned over the aggravated theft which allegedly took place earlier this month when the accused spent half an hour, shopping around Valletta and clocking up a bill of some €4,500 to the detriment of the holder of the credit card.

Prosecuting Inspector Jeffrey Scicluna pointed out that the accused had returned the stolen money and had cooperated fully with the police, adding that a suspended sentence would be adequate, a suggestion also backed by the defence counsel.

In the light of these submissions the court, presided over by magistrate Neville Camilleri, declared the accused guilty upon his own admission and condemned him to a 2-year jail term suspended for three years.

Lawyer Roberto Montalto and legal procurator Joeline Pace Ciscaldi were defence counsel.