A Somali man who stole a car and crashed it into a wall while drunk was sentenced to 12 months in prison after admitting guilt.

Abdulkadir Mohamud Abdihukun, 28, stole the Toyota Hilux in Luqa and was caught driving dangerously by police from the Rapid Intervention Unit in Mdina Road, Żebbuġ.

The incident happened at 5am yesterday, with Mr Abdihukun driving the wrong way before crashing into a wall.

He was charged in court at noon and, after consulting his lawyer, pleaded guilty to the charges, which included driving without a licence and damaging third party property. The man was handed a probation order last June for a separate case.

Mr Abdihukun’s lawyer informed the court that his client had a drink problem and asked the magistrate to take note.

Magistrate Francesco De-pasquale sentenced Mr Abdihukun to one year in prison and ordered the prison authorities to provide him with help to overcome his drink problem.

Magistrate Depasquale said: “In prison they will help you, but you have to help yourself to overcome the drink problem.”

Inspectors Kylie Borg and Paula Ciantar prosecuted.

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