Unemployed man placed under probation

Christian Zarb, 28 of B'Kara and currently unemployed was placed under a three year probation order after pleading guilty to attempting to break into a residence in Qawra.

Described by his defence lawyer as the 'Fantozzi of this case', the accused was apprehended by officers carrying a metal bar moments after another man was arrested trying to force an apartment's lock.

Edward Gatt explained the other person is a seasoned criminal who will be arraigned in a separate sitting.

Prosecuting inspector Joseph Busuttil told the court, Zarb fully cooperated with the investigators. "He is a first time offender who fell in bad company after losing his job. The same cannot be told about the persons he hangs around with. He has repeatedly apologised for his actions," the inspector said.

The accused took the witness stand and confirmed his police statement under oath. However Magistrate Francesco Depasquale ordered a ban on the publication of details contained in Zarb's evidence.

Defence lawyer Edward Gatt commented this was a classical case, demanding the issuing of a probation order.

"Given Zarb's behaviour and current situation, being assigned a probation officer could help the accused break away from the circle of friends he has surrounded himself with in the past months," the lawyer said.

Considering the guilty plea filed by Zarb, Magistrate Depasquale placed the accused under a three-year probation order.