A thief captured on CCTV burgling a Mellieħa home was yesterday jailed for a year.

Jason Scerri, 40, from Balzan, pleaded guilty to stealing €2,060 worth of gold and cash from the villa on Santa Maria Estate.

The burglar became an internet sensation after an image showing him breaking into the property went viral on Facebook.

Police traced the accused thanks to a distinctive tattoo of playing cards on his arm, the court heard.

He also admitted to being a relapser, breaching bail conditions over a separate case and breaching a court order.

Magistrate Francesco Depasquale noted that Mr Scerri had a long criminal history and was well-known to the police.

Defence lawyer Yana Micallef Stafrace said her client was a drug addict who was trying to kick the habit.

Despite her appeal, the court jailed him for a year.

Police inspector Saviour Baldacchino prosecuted.

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