Career criminal jailed for 21 months after latest theft

48-year-old US-born man residing in Malta jailed for 21 months after pleading guilty to robbing two shops in Bisazza Street, Sliema.

A 48-year-old career criminal has been jailed for 21 months after pleading guilty to robbing two shops in Valletta and Sliema while out on bail.

The incident occurred on 19 April 2012, when the accused, US-born resident Stephen Galli, is said to have stolen valuable items from Bershka and Sunlab in Bisazza Street, Sliema.

The accused also admitted to damaging private property during the second theft, to sealing a pair of RayBan sunglasses from Valletta on an earlier date, to relapsing, and to breaching a court order.

In April, Galli was charged with stealing a handbag from a vehicle in St Julian’s, while in August he was accused of stealing a collection box from Chemimart pharmacy.

In its decree, the court noted that the accused has a lengthy criminal record, and that he committed the crime while out on bail. Consequently, Magistrate Ian Farrugia said, “this should be reflected in his punishment.”

Moreover, the Magistrate said that at almost 50 years of age, the accused must stop blaming others for his actions and should instead appreciate that his actions are wrong and illegal, and therefore jailed him for 21 months.

Inspector Chris Pullicino prosecuted.