A 16-year-old boy got let off with a conditional discharge after his mother pledged to pay €1,400 for a bicycle he had stolen.

The theft took place in Marsascala in July last year when the boy, who is not being named as he is still a minor, stole a bike belonging to another boy. The police apprehended him and charged him with theft.

He pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera said that since he had no police record, the court would treat him as a first-time offender. She also heard how the boy's mother had reached an agreement with the other boy's parents to pay for the bicycle her son had stolen, valued at €1,400. Monthly instalments were being paid and the bulk had already been paid.

The magistrate therefore conditionally discharged the boy for a year and warned him of the consequences of his behaviour.