Burglar admits to robbing electronics store

A burglar has been handed a suspended sentence after admitting to the burglary of an electronics store in Paola.

Christopher Briffa, 26 years old from Tarxien, was arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court today after police investigations into the theft, which took place last month, led them to him.

Fingerprints lifted from the crime scene and other forensic evidence linked Briffa, who has a history of trouble with the law, to the burglary, which took place on November 5th.

In court this morning, Briffa pleaded guilty to complicity in the theft of four stereos, causing wilful damage to third party property and receiving stolen goods.

Taking into account  the nature of the offences, Briffa’s early guilty plea and drug problems, duty Magistrate Gabriella Vella declared the man guilty and condemned him to one year in prison, suspended for 4 years.

The court further placed the accused under the supervision of a Probation Officer for 4 years, urging him to keep regular appointments or to follow the instructions of his supervisor.

“If during these four years you should commit another offence, I shall be informed,” warned the Magistrate.

Inspector Spiridione Zammit prosecuted.

Lawyer Benjamin Valenzia was legal aid.