A British couple started their holiday in Malta with an unpleasant experience when a man on the same flight ran off with their suitcase, which he had stolen from the airport conveyor belt.

The suitcase, which contained several items including €850 in cash, was recovered and returned to the couple when Somali national Mohamed Ibrahim Abubakar, 30, was arrested.

It emerged that he has protected status in Malta and is in possession of a Maltese residency permit.

Mr Abubakar pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him, and Magistrate Giovanni Grixti sentenced him to 18 months in jail, suspended for two years.

Police Inspector Silvio Magro prosecuted.

Lawyer Joe Brincat appeared for the accused.

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