A masonry restorer has been acquitted of stealing antique wooden items from churches after a magistrate found that the charge of theft was time-barred. The crime happened some 11 years ago.

The man admitted he had taken the objects when he was around 13 years old and decided to sell them on trading website Maltapark some eight years later, after restoring them.

The court heard how he had taken an 18th-century wooden pedestal worth €2,500, and four wooden candle holders worth less than €2,000.

He stole the items when he was given the opportunity to ring the church bells during the feasts at Maria Annunzjata in Tarxien and St Dominic’s in Valletta, the court heard. Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit noted how the man had been charged at the age of 21 when the items were taken eight years prior to his arraignment.

Theft charges were time-barred by two years and therefore he could not be found guilty, the magistrate said.

Taking the witness stand, during the case, Police Inspector Spiridione Zammit said he began investigating after two helpers from the Tarxien church said they recognised a stolen pedestal on Maltapark.com, on sale for €500.

The police carried out a search of his home and the item in question was found together with four candle holders, picture frames and an old certificate belonging to a priest, Fr Raffaelo Mamo, the inspector said.

Lawyer Roberto Montalto appeared for the man.