Homeless man gets two years for string of thefts, dangerous driving

A man has been sentenced to 2 years imprisonment and had his driving licence revoked after he pleaded guilty to a string of accusations, including an attempt to run over two police officers in Birgu last week.

31 year old Allan Grima, who is unemployed and has no fixed abode, was arraigned yesterday before Magistrate Josette Demicoli accused of the attempted grievous bodily harm of the two police officers, heroin possession, the theft of three vehicles, fraud, 6 counts of aggravated theft from vehicles, causing voluntary damage to several vehicles, handling stolen goods, and dangerous driving. 

He was arrested in connection with the thefts on the 16th December whilst on his way to register for his unemployment benefits. Grima had shaved his head and changed his outfit and was carrying a false ID card in an effort to avoid recognition. Upon being recognised in the dole queue by an eagle-eyed police officer, he escaped on foot and jumped into a stolen Hyundai. Two policemen tried to block his exit but Grima drove at the officers, almost running them over. He was then followed to Bormla, where upon being stopped, the accused shunted the car in front and escaped again, driving towards Paola. 

He was apprehended in Paola roughly an hour later by police investigating a report of a man fleeing on foot after blocking a road with his parked vehicle.

Grima was also accused of breaching previous bail conditions and of being a recidivist.

Police found that he had tried to sell one of the cars stolen, a Toyota Yaris,  for €550 on the same day of the theft. Other items stolen included a Nikon SLR camera worth €1200, a government laptop, an iPhone valued at €700 and a Kenwood car stereo.

Lawyer Patrick Valentino, appointed as legal aid, entered the guilty plea on Grima’s behalf. In spite of being afforded an opportunity to recant his admission by the magistrate, the accused persisted with his guilty plea.

Inspectors Jason Paul Sultana and Josric Mifsud prosecuted.