It is not surprising that some crimes in Malta are recurring alarmingly.

In the fruitless attempt to reduce overcrowding in prisons, as well as save taxpayers’ money, the courts appear to be under instructions to hand down as many suspended sentences as possible.

Yes, some crimes merit them. However, some sentences handed down recently are beyond belief.

An example was of the 15-year-old boy who was caught by the police last week while using his mobile phone, driving his mother’s car with two (stolen) shotguns on the back seat, damaging property, illegally possessing firearms, driving without a licence or insurance, driving without a seat belt and breaching the conditions of a previous release.

I found it difficult to believe that his lawyer exclaimed that he was just being naughty rather than delinquent. He is still to be sentenced.

It is false economy to hand out suspended, meaningless sentences, as they are a green light for present and potential offenders, especially so regarding motoring misdemeanours, which very easily could, and possibly have, contributed to unnecessary death, injuries and inconveniences.

Is it not surprising that we very seldom hear of over-the-limit convictions? Perhaps it could be that such convictions require an abundance of paperwork as well as a doctor’s attendance immediately after the incident. While such sentencing exists the odds very much favour would-be offenders.

Suspended sentences are administered in the UK, however, one given last week also included 300 hours of community service.