A homeless 17-year-old lighter fluid addict was yesterday jailed for nine months after he admitted stealing from a car one week after being put on probation to get his life back on track.

The teenager, who is not being named because he is a minor, was caught on Wednesday stealing from a car in Floriana and admitted to the charges brought against him.

Magistrate Neville Camilleri noted that he knew the young man’s case well, adding that he was the person who placed him on probation last week.

Legal aid lawyer Simon Micallef Stafrace told the magistrate that they had a real problem before them and asked for the “last chance” for his client.

Police Inspector Daniel Zammit said the teenager did not want the help.

The magistrate noted that the teenager had breached a probation order and had not learnt his lesson. The two-year probation will come into force once the young man serves his time.

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