‘Changed man’ gets prison sentence converted to community work

A Court of Appeal turned a six-month prison term into a year of community service after new evidence showed that the convicted man had changed his life, found a job and was trying to settle down.

On 10 October 2012, having been convicted of stealing from Shaherazad Mediterranean Restaurant, in Marsaskala and damaging private property, 35-year-old Anton Vassallo was jailed for six months and fined €660 in court fees. However, he deemed the punishment too severe and appealed judgement.

The appellant argued that the court had not considered the option that the accused could change his way, and instead had applied an effective jail term. “The theft happened back in 2001, and over the past years Vassallo has changed his life, found a job and is trying to settle down with his partner from whom he has a child. Serving jail time would surely undo all his efforts,” the defence said.

The Court of Appeal said it was the court’s duty to protect society, and dangerous criminals were to be kept behind bars. However the court was also responsible for the rehabilitation and possible reform of the accused. Evidence given by Probation Officer Mariette Lanzon proved that Vassallo had indeed changed his ways.

Mr Justice David Scicluna revoked the six-month jail term and ruled that Anton Vassallo was to be placed under a probation order for a year under the regulations of community services, and perform 150 hours of voluntary community work.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the accused.