The man who last month had admitted to having stolen perfumes and toiletries from two retail outlets has been given an effective jail term of 18 months.

Bjorn Borg, 33, residing in St Paul's Bay and Senglea alternately, had pleaded guilty to stealing perfumes with a total retail value exceeding €5,000.

The shoplifting had occurred on December 11 at a perfumery store at the Malta International Airport. Another less costly theft had taken place on a separate occasion in March to the detriment of a Naxxar shopowner.

The court, presided by Magistrate Neville Camilleri, observed that this was not the first time that Mr Borg had committed a similar offence and noted that the man was battling a drug problem.

After declaring the accused guilty, the court imposed the jail term and requested the director of prison to assist the man overcome his addiction.

Inspector Silvio Magro prosecuted. Lawyer Christopher Chircop was legal aid.