Relapsing thief jailed for 38 months after latest break-in

A convicted thief whose criminal record dates back to 1989 has been jailed for 38 months after pleading guilty to breaking in a house in Lija and stealing jewellery, a laptop, and a Notebook.

The incident occurred on July 11 when the accused, Alexander Cardona, 47, of Hamrun, broke in a house in Lija through the window and stole an ASUS laptop, Notebook, a necklace, two pairs of earrings, as well as several sets of cufflinks. The haul was valued at over €2390.   

Cardona also admitted to handling stolen property, breaching bail conditions, breaching a probation order, and breaching a conditional discharge. He also pleaded guilty to causing €116 in damage during the break in.

In submissions, prosecuting inspectors Carlos Cordina and Luke Bonello, argued that Cardona has had several brushes with the law, and that despite being given several opportunities to reform, he has continued to commit several offences.

The defence argued that Cardona has a drug problem, and as a result has run into financial difficulties in order to sustain his drug habit. This plea was however dismissed by Magistrate Aaron Bugeja, who argued that irrespective of the man’s drug problems, stealing is never justified.

“God forbid that everyone who runs into financial difficulties resorts to theft. There are many other ways that Cardona could have gotten his money, but all this depends on whether he wants to work,” Magistrate Bugeja said.

Moreover, the court argued that the accused can solve his drug problem by undergoing a drug rehabilitation problem, and not theft.

While noting that the accused cooperated with police as well his early admission, the court argued that the man’s criminal record dates back to 1989, and has since been jailed and convicted of theft and other charges.

In its decree, the court found the man guilty of breaching bail conditions, a probation order, breaching a conditional discharge, and berated him “for not learning his lesson.”

Magistrate Aaron Bugeja handed the man a 38-month jail term. The court however, turned down the prosecution’s plea for the accused to rescind his bail deposit, on account of his financial difficulties.

Inspectors Carlos Cordina and Luke Bonello prosecuted.