Two men were jailed 13 months each after they pleaded guilty to stealing a car on New Year’s Eve.

The court heard that Clifton Attard, 22, of Msida and Roderick Zammit, 31, of Sliema, managed to steal a Lada after they had attempted to steal another three cars.

They used the Lada to snatch a handbag from a woman and drive off on New Year’s Day. They were also charged with damaging the car.

During the investigation Mr Attard admitted to stealing a cash register from a shop in Ta Xbiex in November. He was also charged with breaching a probation order and was fined €100.

Mr Zammit also pleaded guilty to breaching a two year jail term suspended for four, which became effective and which he now has to serve over and above the 13 months.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit advised the two men to look for a job so as to lose the urge to roam the streets.

Both said they had a drug problem and the magistrate recommended they follow a drug rehabilitation programme while they serve their sentence.