A carpet layer was yesterday placed on probation for three years for burgling a Gżira apartment in which he had just carried out a job.
Kevin Chircop, 19, from Floriana, pleaded guilty to stealing more than €3,000 worth of items including two television sets, laptops, computers, a PlayStation console and about 35 games from the apartment in St Albert Street on the night of December 22.
Magistrate Gabriella Vella also bound him not to approach the owner of the flat against a €2,330 fine in default.
The court heard that Mr Chircop broke into the apartment just hours after he and another teenager – who is pleading not guilty – had installed a carpet there.
During a search of his house on Christmas Eve, the police found items that had been taken from the place.
Mr Chircop had already been sentenced to 100 hours of community work and was placed under a three-year probation order in connection with a different crime.
In his pre-sentencing report, probation officer Joseph Mizzi recommended that he be placed under probation to give him the opportunity to get his life back on the right track.
Magistrate Vella acceded to the request. She also asked the probation officer to submit a biannual report on Mr Chircop’s progress.
Police Inspector Jason Sultana prosecuted.
Lawyer Josè Herrera appeared for the accused.