Four Romanian men jailed over Valletta pickpocketing spree

Four Romanian nationals have been handed prison sentences after admitting to a string of 11 pickpocketing thefts committed in Valletta over just four days.

Elvis Adir, 25, and Florin Rambo Mamolescu, 28, were each sentenced to three years and four months behind bars, while 18-year-old Martinelli Bruno Adir, 18, and 21-year-old Manix Baboi received three-year prison sentences.

The four men pleaded guilty to the thefts committed between 2 and 5 November on Sunday.

As the sentences were handed down, one of the convicted men broke down in tears and began speaking in Romanian inside the courtroom. He could later be heard crying and shouting outside the courtroom.

During Sunday's arraignment, the prosecution explained how police had managed to identify the group after analysing CCTV footage and photographs supplied by the victims. Most of the victims were elderly.

Police subsequently stepped up patrols in Valletta, leading to the arrest of two suspects in Merchant Street on 6 November. Just 15 minutes later, officers arrested the remaining two men in Castille Square.

Inspector Stephen Gulia led the prosecution.

The four men were represented by legal aid lawyer Martin Farrugia.

Magistrate Marse-ann Farrugia presided over the cases.