A young man who left the UK to build a new life for himself in Malta got off to a terrible start when he was convicted of stealing a series of Ford Fiestas for joy rides.
The 21-year-old man from Reading, who came to Malta in September, pleaded guilty to stealing five Ford Fiestas on separate occasions, damaging them, apart from driving without a licence and an insurance policy.
He was also found guilty of negligent driving and speeding as well as driving under the influence of alcohol.
During the court hearing, Police Inspector Fabian Fleri said Kristofer Tonna had a disturbed childhood and was sent to Malta to start a new life with his uncle.
He had even found a job as an electrician and paid rent. His problem, the inspector added, was that he had no role model.
Mr Tonna stole the cars when he got drunk and drove them until he either collapsed or the vehicles stopped. He then abandoned them and went back home.
The young man yesterday said he was willing to pay for the victims’ damages.
Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani warned him that, unless he could control his drinking, he should not consume alcohol.
She fined him €2,300, which he must pay within six months, and suspended his driving licence for a year.
This effectively means he is prohibited from obtaining one in the next 12 months.
Mr Tonna was also handed a two-year jail sentence suspended for four after pleading guilty to the charges.
He was placed under a three-year supervision order and also ordered to pay the damages he caused to the cars – which amount to some €2,500 – within two years.