Newly-appointed Police Superintendent Silvio Valletta told a magistrate yesterday people were scared to go to Marsa, where open centres hosting migrants were located.

"We have reached a point where Maltese people cannot even go to Marsa because they are afraid," he said in a passionate burst. "The victim could not even go out and buy a Coke. With all due respect, we are not in Somalia. If they do not have laws there, we do and they have to understand this," Mr Valletta said in court.

The officer, who was promoted from inspector yesterday, was making his submissions on punishment in a court case against an 18-year-old Somali, Ali Mohammed Abhukhadir, who admitted to stealing a pair of sunglasses and some other items worth some €233 from a car in Marsa.

The incident happened on Tuesday at 2.30 a.m. when a man stopped his car to buy a bottle of Coke only to be hit on the head with a bottle and then robbed by three men, who ransacked his car.

Arriving seconds after the incident erupted, the police only managed to apprehend Mr Abhukhadir because the others made a quick escape.

Defence lawyer Mark Busuttil said that his client had fully cooperated with the police in their investigations. He also pointed out that the accused was just 18 years old.

After taking into consideration the fact that Mr Abhukhadir is a first time offender and his age, the court imposed a six-month jail term suspended for one year.

Police Inspector Ramon Mercieca also prosecuted.