Court tells young thief to turn his life around or face prison

A 16-year-old boy was put on probation for two years after admitting to charges of complicity to aggravated theft

A court has placed a 16-year old boy from Birkirkara on probation after he pleaded guilty to complicity in a burglary from a factory in Qormi in August, warning him that he could end up in prison if convicted again. 

Inspector John Spiteri told Magistrate Gabriella Vella how the boy, who is not being named on account of his age, was arrested at his mother’s home in Birkirkara. 

The boy, who told the court that he was due to start school next Monday, admitted to the charges of complicity to aggravated theft. 

The defence was allowed to approach the bench during submissions on punishment - a well-intentioned, but wholly unnecessary request, in view of the fact that the court had already ordered a ban on the publication of the accused's name. 

The court handed the youth a two-year probation order, warning him that a breach could mean up to four years' imprisonment. 

“The offence carries a sentence of eight months to four years, don't end up in prison," said the magistrate. 

Inspector John Spiteri prosecuted and lawyer Martha Mifsud appeared for the boy