A man who was both drunk and under the effect of drugs when he stole two mobile phones, cash and a camera on two consecutive days was yesterday jailed for one year. Libyan Jassem Al Taher, 25, had first gone to Qube Bar in Paceville on December 17 at about midnight and stole a mobile phone, €81 in cash and other items valued at €233 from a woman in the club.

The day after, he went to Bar Native at about the same time and took another mobile phone, €150 in cash and other items amounting to more than €233 from a woman's handbag.

Legal aid lawyer Renzo Porsella Flores asked the court to consider that his client had been drunk and under the effect of drugs when he committed the crime.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera replied that this was no excuse.

After taking into consideration that the accused was a relapser, the court jailed him for one year and recommended to the prison authorities to make sure he is given help to kick his alcohol and drug addiction.

Police Inspector Trevor Micallef prosecuted.