A 23-year-old man was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment today for three separate thefts earlier this week.

Paul Gauci Borda, from Gzira, was arraigned under arrest and accused of stealing watches from a jewellery belonging to Alessia Campisi on the 16, 17 and 18 of February. He did not contest the arrest and pleaded guilty.

Police Inspector Jonathan Ransley said Mr Gauci had a long criminal record and was a relapser, having already been sentenced numerous times. Insp. Ransley said the stolen watches had not been recovered, and these were believed to have been traded for drugs as Mr Gauci Borda had a cocaine problem.

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja said he had no option but to find Mr Gauci Borda guilty. He instructed the director of prisons to make the necessary arrangements to help him get over his drug problem.

During sentencing the court urged Mr Gauci Borda to use his time in prison to reflect on his transgressions and get his life in order. If he did not care for himself, the magistrate added, then he should think of the effect his lifestyle was having on his family and loved ones.