French youths charged with damaging street furniture

Two French youths were charged with damaging a street bench, property of the St Julian's local council.

Haces Benjamin Bernard is currently following a course as an apprentice plumber, while Fontaine Alexis Marius Jean is in Malta to study English. Both are aged 20.

The youths pleaded guilty to the charges, claiming in court that they needed wood for "a bed" and to feed a BBQ fire. The incident happened early Wednesday morning at 5am.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella handed the French youths one year's conditional discharge and ordered them to pay €370 in damage to the local council.

Legal aid Anthony Cutajar appeared for the youths.