A man who burgled a Sliema apartment ten years ago has finally been brought to justice, after a digital fingerprint database matched his prints to the scene of the crime. 

Victor Stellini, 40, of St Julian’s was extradited to Malta from Crete two weeks ago on the strength of a European Arrest Warrant. Police had first tracked him down to the UK in 2015, two years after a newly-created fingerprint database had linked him to the 2008 theft of jewellery from an apartment in Sliema. 

Appearing in court on Wednesday, Mr Stellini was charged with aggravated theft and recidivism.

Mr Stellini's lawyer argued that the case was time-barred, but the prosecution rebutted by highlighting the length of time it had taken for Mr Stellini to be brought back to Malta. 

Ruling that the issue of prescription fell beyond the parameters of the arraignment, the court declared that the arrest was valid.

Mr Stellini entered a guilty plea and confirmed it even after being warned about a possible prison term.

“There’s no escaping this,” the accused resignedly confirmed.

When making submissions on punishment, Inspector Fabian Fleri pointed out that although in the past the accused had kept bad company and had experienced a drug problem, his last conviction dated back to 2009.

“Today he is totally clean and in employment. He is on the right track and even works abroad,” pointed out the inspector, adding that the prosecution was not in favour of an effective prison term.

“Let us not push this man to revert back to his past wrongs,” Inspector Fleri added.

Defence lawyer Chris Frendo further submitted that not only had his client completely reformed himself, but he had also tried to make things right, asking for a ban on the publication of the accused’s name which could harm his work opportunities.

The request was however turned down since the reason cited was not valid at law.

Magistrate Neville Camilleri declared the accused guilty and placed him under probation for two years.