A lawyer insisted yesterday that his client, whom he had known since she was a small child, had found no help after being released from prison and was better off in jail, as she had no money to live on.

Peter Fenech said Charmaine Vella, a 42-year-old Australia-born woman, had been given no help from the system, which made it difficult for former convicts to find a job.

She ended up living on the streets without a job or any form of social benefit.

“How can we expect people not to relapse when they leave prison if we deny them work and benefits? They end up doing drugs, getting involved in prostitution and stealing,” the lawyer said.

Ms Vella was accused of stealing a chequebook and €930 in cash and then allegedly used a stolen cheque to make a €929 purchase from Klikk Computer Store. She also stole an Iphone 6 Gold worth €783 from Scan Computer Store in Birkirkara, as well as being accused of relapsing.

She pleaded not guilty and did not request bail. Dr Fenech said she did not have money to buy food so she was better off in jail.

The woman appeared to be suffering from drug withdrawal symptoms, so Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona issued a treatment order.

Police Inspector Sandra Zammit prosecuted.