Valletta man accused of breaking into two cars in the span of 15 minutes

A 41-year-old man from Valletta was granted bail after pleading guilty to breaking into two cars in the span of 15 minutes.

William Mercieca was arraigned on charges of stealing two car stereos, damaging two cars and handling stolen goods.

The court heard how, during late afternoon on 1 February, Mercieca had stolen a car stereo from St. Publius Street in Floriana before moving on to repeat the offence on another vehicle parked at the MCP car park, 15 minutes later.

Mercieca was also charged with handling stolen goods and being in possession of tools which could be used for theft from vehicles without a satisfactory explanation.

Following his guilty plea, Magistrate Charmaine Galea granted the accused bail pending the completion of a pre-sentencing report.

Inspector Priscilla Caruana prosecuted.

Lawyer Simon Micallef Stafrace was legal aid.