A man who used to have a drug problem pleaded guilty to three shop thefts today and was remanded in custody pending judgment.

Victor Buttigieg, 44, from Naxxar, a worker in the construction industry, stood before the magistrate with hands firmly clasped and timidly admitted to having stolen cash and other objects from a beauty parlour in Dingli, a store in Mtarfa and the Labour Party club in Baħrija between January 31 and February 2.

The man, who had previous convictions, was also charged with being a relapser and damaging third party property.

The court, presided by magistrate Gabriella Vella, put off the case for sentencing.

The court upheld a request by the defence to recommend that the accused be placed under a rehabilitation programme if he is sent to jail. The defence lawyer pointed out that during his time behind bars, Mr Buttigieg had stopped his drug addiction. However, precautions needed to be taken to prevent his relapse.

Inspectors Carlos Cordina and Robert Vella prosecuted. Lawyer Mario Mifsud was defence counsel.