A 22-year-old man was sentenced to 10 months in prison after he admitted to stealing €300 in cash and €210 worth of cigarettes from a Marsa shop on Thursday night.

Wayne Zammit, from Marsa, pleaded guilty to stealing the items from Stop and Go, located close to the police station, after breaking into the outlet during the night.

He also admitted to causing damage to the shop when he broke a window to get in and damaging a fridge.

The young man also admitted to relapsing.

Police Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri told Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit Mr Zammit needed help to find his way while in prison.

The officer said that he ended up stealing because he did not work and had nothing to do all day.

She recommended that he started a programme while in jail to help prepare him for the working world.

The magistrate agreed and said: “This is a recurring problem I see every day.” She was referring to people getting into trouble because they did not have anything to keep them occupied.

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