A magistrate on Thursday deplored the actions of “an absolute minority of guests" who paid no heed to Maltese laws.

Although Malta had a long-established tradition of hospitality, the authorities should act against those who “commit serious offences in our country and cause unnecessary alarm in society,” he said.

The comments were made as a Syrian man was convicted of stealing three watches from a hotel apartment and possession of cocaine.

Mohammed Samer, 49, was arrested by police after they received a report of a fight at a hotel in Għajnsielem last October.

Upon reaching the first-floor apartment, occupied by a member of the hotel staff, the officers came across a man lying on the floor, being pinned down by another.

“I found this thief in my room. He was inside…..he stole all my watches,” the man who had held down the alleged intruder had said.

A glance at the room revealed a ripped door netting and signs of disarray, with clothes flung across the floor.

The suspect thief later admitted under interrogation that he had stolen the three watches and had returned to the room in search of cocaine after having allegedly bought drugs from its occupant the previous day.

The police investigated this claim which, in fact, resulted in a lie.

Magistrate Joe Mifsud, after hearing evidence from 14 persons, declared Mr Samer guilty of theft, the possession of cocaine and being a recidivist. He sentenced him to an 18-month jail term and a €100 fine.

Furthermore, the court urged immigration authorities to repatriate him once his jail term had been served.

Although Malta had a long-established tradition of hospitality, the authorities should act against those who “commit serious offences in our country and cause unnecessary alarm in society,” Magistrate Mifsud said.