A tourist, who stole a €43 replica gun from a souvenir shop, was handed a suspended sentence on the very day when he was due to leave Malta.

Benjamin Vigo, a 38-year old Parisian currently staying at a St Julian’s hostel, was arrested after the souvenir went missing on Tuesday afternoon. Inside his bag, the police also found a number of other small souvenirs which could not be accounted for by any receipt.

The incident led to the arraignment of the shoplifter who admitted to the charge of simple theft.

Assisted by an interpreter, the accused confirmed his guilty plea and declared that he was due to leave Malta on Wednesday evening.

Duty magistrate Charmaine Galea handed down a two-month jail term suspended for one year.

Inspector Stacy Attard prosecuted.
Lawyer Josette Sultana was legal aid counsel.

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