A drug addict on the mend was yesterday let off with a suspended jail term for breaking into four cars after a magistrate heard about the dire situation in which his family finds itself.

Simon Borg, 25, of Gżira, spent some time at a Scottish drug rehabilitation programme six years ago and managed to stay “clean” for two years after that. However, he later fell victim to temptation and began using drugs again. He is at present on methadone and trying to kick the habit again, a court heard yesterday.

He lives in a flat with his girlfriend and their two children, however, they are barely surviving on her salary especially given the children’s needs and their everyday expenses, the court was told by defence lawyer Joe Brincat.

In fact, the household has to live without electricity because Enemalta turned off the supply due to unpaid bills and the children have to use flashlights, police sources said.

Police Inspector Anne Marie Micallef said that while she can confirm the family’s dire situation, she could not ignore the crimes committed.

Dr Brincat told the court that his client was pleading guilty to stealing from the cars last weekend and damaging them.

Magistrate Anthony Vella told Mr Borg that he could be jailed for three years for just one of the charges before him and that reforming was his responsibility.

After taking into consideration the particular circumstances of the case, Magistrate Vella jailed him for one year suspended for three.