A 45-year-old Italian man living in Malta was handed a suspended sentence and ordered to perform community work by a court after admitting to purchasing a Range Rover stolen from the UK.

Andrea Benini, residing in St Julian’s, was accused of knowingly receiving or purchasing the stolen vehicle on August 19 in Gzira.

In its decision the court presided by Magistrate Aaron Bugeja took into consideration that the man filed a guilty plea, had a clean criminal record and was willing to see the vehicle being returned to its rightful owner.

Consequently it opted to give a minimum punishment and so sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years.

He was also placed under supervision order and ordered to perform 100 hours of community work. Police inspector Sergio Pisani prosecuted.

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