A man caught red-handed while he attempted to rob a garage in Ta’ Xbiex early on Saturday morning admitted his addiction to heroin, saying he took it on Fridays only, when he received his social benefits.

Charles Spiteri, 51, of Cospicua, whose criminal record, in the words of the court, “resembled a book”, got a “very last chance” to get his life back on track.

This is a test... You know right from wrong

The police had received an anonymous call about a suspicious-looking man on Saturday at 4.30am. When officers from the Rapid Intervention Unit arrived, he threw gloves and a balaclava into a bush. A search of his car yielded several other items related to theft, including screwdrivers, pliers, another pair of gloves and a torch.

When he appeared before Magistrate Carol Peralta, Mr Spiteri pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. The magistrate conditionally discharged him for three years and ordered him to do 200 hours of community work, with a probation officer reporting on him regularly.

“This is a test. You’re still doing silly things at your age. I expect more responsibility from you because you know the difference between right and wrong,” Magistrate Peralta said.

Police Inspector Jason Sultana prosecuted.

Lawyer Joseph Ellis appeared for the man.