A man was imprisoned and another two received lesser sentences today after being convicted of stealing animals from Razzett tal-Hbiberija (Park of Friendship) in December 2007.

Louis Ronayne, 26 of Kirkop was jailed for two years after the court found that he had ignored previous opportunities given to him by a court to reform. He was also ordered to serve out four years jail imposed in a previous sentence.

Salvino Ronayne, 20 of Marsascala, was placed under probation for three years after the court heard that since a previous conviction, he had made progress in reforming himself.

Kevin Portelli, 32 of Fgura was handed a two-month jail term suspended for three years after the court ruled that he deserved an opportunity to reform without going to prison.

The three had also been convicted of handling stolen property and causing hardship to the animals.

It resulted that Louis and Salvino Ronayne had first entered the razzett and stolen a monkey. Two days later they stole a deer which they sold to Kevin Portelli. A few days later all three together stole other animals from the razzett.The monkey and the deer had a value of € 1,397 while the other animals were worth €1,444.

Some €200 in damage was caused to Razzett tal-Hbiberija.