A desperate drug addict who targeted eight elderly women and stole their gold bracelets was yesterday jailed for six years and told to do a drug rehabilitation programme once he’s paid his dues. Claudio Mallia, 27, of Valletta, admitted to stealing 19 bracelets from the women between June 28 and July 7 in Ħamrun and Msida. He also stole a necklace.

Mr Mallia slightly injured two of the women as he ripped the bracelets off their wrists.

Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani jailed him for six years after taking into consideration the fact that he filed an early guilty plea and that he had relapsed.

Police Inspector Jeffrey Cilia prosecuted.

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