A man who pleaded guilty to stealing from a residence in Zabbar in April 2010 was this morning placed under probation for three years.

The man, Michael Camilleri, 27, of Qormi, was also charged with being a relapse and committing the crime during the operative period of a suspended sentence.

In handing down judgement, Magistrate Anthony Vella took into consideration the pre-sentencing report which showed that the accused had fully reformed himself and noted that a jail term would not be appropriate.

Magistrate Vella noted that a balance between reparative and retributive justice should be created.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the accused.